Though her sensei had stated most calmly that she and her student deserved a moment of rest after such a long and harrowing day under her brutal and unforgiving tutelage, that considered moment of relaxation was all to brief for Asuka, and there she was again, her fragile and weathered exterior marred with so many ghastly cuts, numerous injuries, abrasions and grotesque, swelling bruises upon her torn and tattered skin. Her lungs, they were alight with Hell's miserable flame, burning her insides, scorching her very heart with every ragged breath she took into her throbbing chest with a tinge of pain to her ribs, possibly cracked and chipped like ancient, hewn stone put to the test by the fury of Amaterasu herself, Asuka being the stone and Hibana...being the angry and merciless Goddess striking away at her with all her wrath and might. But finally....after such grueling tribulations, such horrible beatings she had endured along with her Sensei's [i]"take no prisoners, leave only victims"[/i] attitude....Asuka's training was finally completed.

[b]"Heh....you know, I never thought I would get to see this day, but...."[/b] Her sensei gruffly cleared her throat, a rather prideful smirk crossing her lips as she glanced down upon her student, bowed before her. [b]"I am proud, no....absolutely beyond proud to give to you, Kushiami Asuka, the title of Successor to the Kazeryu no Tsurugi style of Kenjutsu. May you continue, Kushiami-san, to spread my teachings to the corners of this land, to bring forth a new era of samurai who shall wield your legendary strength."[/b] Graciously, Asuka bowed again in reply to her sensei, "I am indeed honored to accept the title of Successor, Natsume-Sensei, that I am. As Successor, it shall be my sworn oath that Kazeryu no Tsurugi continue to be passed on from generation to generation of swordsmen and swordswomen, but....." Hibana's eyebrow perked at the pause, only furrowing slightly as Asuka continued, "I shall also teach them that a sword, while it is meant to kill, can also be used to protect those who cannot defend themselves." Hibana's response was but a small chuckle, typical of Asuka to say such, [b]"I had a feeling you were going along those lines."[/b] She grumbled jokingly. [b]"Well, guess I can't stop you from teaching that "no kill" malarky, but at least you promised you would carry on my teachings. That should be credit enough at least. Fine then. I bestow upon you, Kushiami Asuka, the title of Successor. Now get the hell out of here."[/b]

Asuka rose from the sand, a small smile given to her sensei before she turned, facing the road away from her sword-master's humble abode, as if she were looking out upon a new future that lay in store for her. [b]"Oh and Kushiami-san, I'll be keeping my eye on you. Now, go back to your comrades. Tell them I send my regards."[/b]

"That I will, Natsume-Sensei." Asuka replied with a soft nod to her teacher. "It will be an honor for our paths to cross again someday, indeed it will, but for now, I must return to Hime-Dono. Fare thee well, Natsume-Sensei." [i]And....I must return....to Miko-Dono as well....[/i]