• The tale of Hiro Ashitaka’s first kill

• Back

The Tale of Hiro Ashitaka’s first kill.

Years before becoming a Sekiseigumi agent, Hiro Ashitaka was gaining quite the reputation for himself around Hingashi & into Othard. Taking duels on the spot as did the Ashitaka Dojo this made rivalry between some of the martial clans fierce.None was more jealous of their reputation then the Jinkyko Clan, a clan from the same territories as the Ashitaka secretively plotting assassinations of the all Ashitaka.

A younger Hiro was always in pursuit of the next test of strength. Doing so he had made many enemies, some were just healthy rivalries and the others had more malicious intent.-[Younger Hiro]: ”I think I’ll take a walk through Shirogane.“

At the same time one of the Clan Jinkyko ninja was stalking Hiros very movements. Jumping from one roof top to the next staying undetected from Hiro and residents.-[Jinkyko Kunoichi]: ”.........“-Waiting for Hiro to be alone the Kunoichi would be patient as a Tiger stalking it’s prey.

It had finally come time for the Jinkyko Kunoichi to dispose of Hiro, giving her clan the respect it deserved. Reaching into her ninja tool-bag she would slam down two smoke bombs, covering the area temporarily.Killing a Ashitaka member would bring a large reputation to clan Jinkyko if she is successful. No time for caution now, thrusting forward blades out she’d get closer to Hiro for the killing blow.

Now within reach of Hiro while in the cover of smoke, she struck with her left blade. Though the Jinkyko ninja had highly underestimated Hiros awareness. Spinning around with his katana unsheathed Hiro deflected the sneak assault. The sounds of steel clashing filled the ward like echos of war.-[Jinkyko Kunoichi]: ”For...the Jinkyko!“-[Clashing Weapons]: ”Shink....shink. ..“

Small melees between the two would lead Hiro to use a Hissatsu by the name of Yaten. Sending a Ki wave while flipping backwards onto the old bridge.-[Younger Hiro]: ”Hissatsu:Yaten!“-Jinkyko ninja were very versed in aether manipulation otherwise known as ninjutsu. The kunoichi acting quickly defended herself from the ki wave using her clans style of ninjutsu.

Landing in the center of the old bridge the kunoichi dashed. Hiro would use Enpi sending another Ki wave, this one vertical. The raw aether tore through the wooden bridge forcing her to defend eventually making the Ki wave skim passed her nearly taking her arm with it.

Taking a moment to reset his form was enough time for the Kunoichi to attack. Leaping onto Hiros back was a confusing technique for him to counter. Then with a split second a display of perfect balance she went to the sky.-[Jinkyko Kunoichi]: ”Die!! Ashitaka scum!”

Coming down sinking her blade into Hiros right arm. She would rip it back out confidently knowing it was the first landed strike between them.-[Younger Hiro]: ”Arhgg..... on my honor, you will pay that back in blood. “

Blood would leak from the wound in Hiros arm. Making his reactions telegraphed enough so the Jinkyko Kunoichi could duck and dodge under his blade. She would counter with a spinning heel-kick sent directly for Hiros face. Anticipating a high strike Hiro was able to duck under her kick as well. His reaction was sending the Doman steel through her leg. This slowing her movements down drastically.-[Younger Hiro]: ”Haaa.“-[Kinkyko Kunoichi]: ”’....ahh.I’m...I’m not finished yet.“

In a desperate attempt to end Hiros life, she neglected her training and swung recklessly with her right blade at his torso. Only to be pulled off balance as Hiro sunk another strike into her flesh. This would pierce through the kunoichis left collar bone and shoulder leaving her unable to use the arm completely.-[Younger Hiro]: ”Hassah!”

It was time for Hiro to finish the kunoichi, if she did not yield he had full intentions to end her life with his next strike. His opponent was now a wounded warrior, and could be even more dangerous. Showing any mercy at this point would just be disrespect.-[Younger Hiro]: ”There is only pain and blood here. You will receive no honor for attacking my blindside. Yet... I will still give you a warriors death. May the Kami guide your soul in the after life.”-The staggering Kunoichi was now at Hiros mercy. He prepared to lunge through her with one strike using another Hissatsu this ones name Gyoten. The Ki spewing from Hiros body would frighten the kunoichi bone stiff. Unleashing with tremendous speed and velocity, unlike before his reflexes were unnatural. This state was gained through many years of training under the Ashitaka dojo senseis.-[Younger Hiro]: ”Hissatsu: Gyoten!”

Slicing through his foe like the wind through tall blades of grass. The Jinkyko clans Kunoichi had failed and was slain by Hiro hand. He would give the fallen Jinkyko a respectful farewell. Praying to the Kami before he would finish his walk through Shirogane.-[Younger Hiro]: ”Find peace in your eternal rest.”-[Dead Jinkyko Kunoichi]: ”.....................“

Photo credit: Hiro Ashitaka
Staring: Hiro Ashitaka & Kitara Carosse

• Back