The sun set where it was known for rising, Nihon/Japan and the streets of Mikawa populated with bright, and upbeat civilians, celebrating the one they follow; Ieyasu Tokugawa, A man even Shirome knew about. She kept a subtle smile on her face, while standing among the crowd. She placed her hands the bright, silk, Kimono that flowed with the winds of Japan. Its design may have been admire by others due to its showcase of Japans beauty, but her care for the subtle pink sakura blossoms on her kimono, was faint. It was the subtle plucks of the [shimasen], and the high pitch sounds of the [shakuhachi] that perked her interest. Every note played by these instruments soothed the eardrum. The people in the streets of Mikawa surely showed their love for the great Ieyasu Tokugawa, through this celebration.<br/><br/>The natural light from the moon above, shined towards the citizens below as the music, clapping and cheering began to fade into the midst of the dark. It was a beautiful display even for the roughest of times. Shirome walked through the streets when a sudden craving for food entered her mind, and affected her belly. The local vendor making [Yakitori] caught her attention. The spices from the grilled chicken loitered into her nostrils causing her eyes to close. It was a smell she could savor for hours.<br/><br/>Can I help you?" The vendor said with a raised eyebrow.<br/>Shirome pointed towards the food ahead. "How much is that?"<br/><br/>The vendor flashed a couple of coins to show the price of the food, and to her luck. She had enough money. She reached into her Kimono to grab the little money she had, giving the coins needed to bye a few sticks and a smile covered her face once she acquired the food.  "Thank you..." She said taking the food made for her.<br/><br/>The night has been treating her well, especially with the food she had at hand. Every bite she took from her meal, admire its tendernous. Her mouth filled with joy every time she took a bite in her meal. Her stomach filled with warmth and food once she was done, and now her mind was focused on the road ahead.<br/><br/>The heat took a toll on Shirome's skin, and the more her mind concentrating on the weather, the more she would sweat. Luckily, The  kimono she was wearing concealed any signs of her sweat. The heat from the cooking vendors, died down and the streets of Mikawa became less crowded. Her eyes focused towards the small castle ahead. And a man in wearing a traditional Kimono, approached Shirome with a subtle bow,  “Greetings Shirome. I am glad to see that you have returned.” Katsuyori said towards her.<br/><br/>“I am glad to be back. It has been a long day.”  She said placing her hands in front of her bowing back towards the man.<br/><br/>Katsuyori beckoned the young woman to follow, and thus began walking after she bowed towards him again. Such formality coming from herself felt uncomfortable at first, even with the clothes she had on felt out of place for herself. Her steps were limited with the Geta she was wearing and the struggle to keep up with Katsuyori continued. “<span style="font-style: italic">Slow down...</span>” she thought to her self. Whatever her mentor taught her came down to the halls ahead. Her eyes often drifted off towards, the beautiful sight ahead, while faint sighs left her. She never even thought of stepping into such a wealthy building such as this. “<span style="font-style: italic"> How was is this a hideout?”</span>She thought to herself as she continued to follow her elder ahead. A subtle scowl came from her face when she smelt subtle ingredients from afar, the irritating smell reminded her of the old woman caring for the orphanage she grew up in. All of the incense that were lit around their for religious reasons made her nose turn , but the scowl on her face faded when Katsuyori looked back at her with a smile. All of these traditional customs just for an initiation went over her head. Was all of this even necessary? Katsuyori bowed to Shirome once again, before sliding the door for her. Shirome returned her bow once again before turning her attention towards everyone. The smile soon faded, when she bowed towards her elders ahead. The table in front of her was well prepared with tea, while everyone got up and returned Shirome’s bow. All of the preparation for the now, made her stomach fill with butterflies. Her borrowed kimono caused her to shift awkwardly around, while the elders often eyed the improper woman. The room did fill with conversation, but her own voice was silent. While drinking the tea offered to her. Her eyes still wondered around the room, watching the murals along the door, and even the little statue, that was surrounded by her best friends… Incense.<br/><br/>Shirome's mentor, Yoshina smiled at her young pupil ahead. “Shirome, you have shown your skills and abilities through the countless training that you’ve overcome. You also lack the discipline, and maturity that is needed to be an assassin of Mikawa, But with the training you have ahead of yourself. You will become a fine assassin.” She said to only Shirome’s ears. Her hands left her pupil’s before walking  towards the other elders. It was then Avao approached Shirome, with a box carved with the creed’s logo.<br/><br/>“Shirome. Assassin’s from generation to generation had an initiation for the up and coming, and in this day in age. We shall follow the footsteps of our ancestors.”<br/><br/>The blazing fire near the statue now caught Shirome’s attention and her nerves increased.  Avao, the Portugal mentor, opened the case revealing the branded tongues. It was at that sight that caused her nerves  to peak.<br/><br/>Avao:“Where other men and women blindly follow the truth, remember..”<br/>Shirome: “Nothing is true.”<br/>Avao:“Where other men are limited by morality or law, remember”<br/>Shirome:“Everything is Permitted.”<br/>Avao:“We work in the dark to serve the light. We are Assassin’s.”<br/><br/>Avao gently grabbed Shirome’s left finger, while the tongue hovered over the fire. She kept her eyes open, while her breathing heavied, Though it was exciting to become an Assassin, the brand was the part she yearned for. Avao pressed the tongues along her fingers, making Shirome bite her own lip and her eyes scrunched while she waited for the brand to make a seal. The seal of an assassin.<br/><br/>“Welcome to the order… Sister.” Avao said with a smile.<br/><br/>Yoshina walked over with another case, and this time Shirome smiled. It was the weapon given to every assassin among the order. A hidden blade.<br/><br/>“Let us go get you changed.” Yoshina said guiding Shirome to a private room.<br/><br/>Her loose small, and sleeveless Kimono showed the mark of an assassin. The small , and subtle armor, often hidden other samurai armor, was now hidden under her sleeveless kimono, and the cowl, or hood concealed her face to hide her identity from others. She was now an Assassin of Mikawa, and it there was only one task bestowed for her.<br/><br/>“Come Shirome.” Yoshina said, grabbing her arm.<br/><br/>The task slipped from her mind… and curiosity filled it while she followed her mentor to the rooftops. It wasn't until she reached the top when she figured the last part of the initiation.<br/><br/>“This was the same spot I took my leap of faith… My how I remember it…” Yoshina said to her self.<br/><br/>Shirome let out a sigh, before looking ahead. Maybe it wasn't the right time to not look down, because that's where she was headed. Her eyes looked to see the deep fall with water being the only thing that could break her fall. Her arm’s spread to prepare her self for a long, treacherous dive, or leap. Her body lent forward, while her stomach swarmed with butterflies. Her breathing felt impossible to control, until she refrained from it altogether. Her eyes closed, and seconds, her body submerged into the water completing the leap of faith. Shinji, and others ran towards their new sister, with a few pats on her shoulders. It was good to see another assassin join the order.<br/><br/>“Let us meet with the others, looks like we have much to discuss.” Shinji said patting Shirome on the back. looks like we have much to discuss.” Shinji said patting Shirome on the back.