Hoofchi, we had made it. The mura was your every Neighpon village, a torii gate at the entrances, houses scattered about, and rice fields further down the hill. What was intriguing about this particular place was the giant sakura tree in the middle of town.

It had been several days since Komosu had left us, but Sakura and I pressed on. The little filly had gotten quieter and quieter the closer we got to Hoofchi, her hyper antics no longer the source of my strained amusement. Her eating habits had lessened as well, no longer asking for snacks an hour after we had eaten. She even stayed in my vision the entire trip. This unsettled me slightly.

We passed under the first torii gate and crossed into Hoofchi territory. Sakura kept close to me, casting frightened glances all over the place. I tried to follow her gaze, glancing at ponies that appeared to be normal rice farmers and townsponies. They too peered at us, though not with concern or reverence as my daisho was invisible. One of the perks of such an item.

"Alright Sakura, this is Hoofchi." I attempted to peel her off of me, but it didn't work quite as well as I hoped. The filly stayed stuck to me, her eyes glimmering with sadness.

"Bu...but, I don't wanna go!" Sakura blubbered, water leaking from her eyes. "This week has been amazing and you are so nice!"

"Sakura..." I sighed and lowered myself so I could look into her eyes. When she glanced away, I reached out with a hoof and brought her muzzle to face me. "This is your home and you are too young to travel with a pony like me."

"What about when I get older!?" Sakura's eyes lit up with determination. "Can I travel with you then?"

I chuckled, this filly had really grown on me. "Alright, when you're older and when you can take care of yourself. Now, find your caretakers."

"Ok. Bye mister Ronin!" The pink filly's eyes were once again lit with mirth. I smiled as I watched her go and turned to find a tavern.

It didn't take long for me to find the telltale sign that promised me sake. I trotted in and I gained several looks, no doubt from the fact that I was a stranger. I nodded to several stallions that looked like they were of importance then strolled over to the bar.

"What can I do for you mister?" A beige stallion, with white spots splatted on his muzzle, regarded me. His blue eyes pierced with knowhow and his flank bore a sake bowl.

"I would like some of your sake and perhaps a bowl of rice." I spoke slowly, careful not to make any aggressive moves. It is always best to remain inconspicuous when visiting an unknown mura. That way, nopony would remember you later.

"Coming right up." The stallion left, his lighter blue tail swishing behind him.

I sat on my stool and thought of what I should do next. Perhaps make a stop at Nagatrotki or visit an old friend in Coltizaki. As I ruminated on my choices, a heavy thud sounded next to me. Instantly, my guard went up and I cautiously looked to see what caused the disturbance. A grinning mare stared back. As promised to Sakura, I would not lie and say that she caused my heart to beat faster.

"Ronin of Yama?" The mare stared at me, her eyes a pure red that even blood couldn't even compare, her coat a vibrant white, and the mane a dark satin. The most disturbing part of her was the mark on her flank, a katana drenched in blood with an eyeball pierced on the tip.

"I know of him. Is there a message you need me to take to him?" My voice and face, cool and steady, inside I was groaning in agony. That title will never leave me for as long as I live.

"Yes, tell him..." With a flourish that an untrained eye could never follow, the mare pulled out a tanto and stabbed me right in the stomach. Blood immediately started to flow from the wound and onto the floor. Shocked silence filled the tavern and then within seconds, it was broken by screams and the trampling of terrified ponies.

While all of this was happening, I just stared at the tanto in my gut. "Why?"

"Because, the rumors tell of a samurai, immortal and unslayable. What better challenge than to best the best?" I looked back up into the manic gaze of the mare, who grinned in response.

"I suppose that is one way to look at things, if you could only give me a moment." With a well practiced movement, I pulled the tanto out and whipped it towards the mare and bolted before I could see if I hit my mark or not. Ever since Emperor Tenno had taken the throne, I had made an oath to preserve buildings as best as I could. Whether or not it was foolish, I take my oaths very seriously and by galloping away, the tavern would be spared from sword slashes.

Soon I came across the courtyard that hosted the giant sakura tree. This is where I stand and fight. I turned around and faced whatever might come at me. It didn't take long for the mare to come rushing after me, but it was long enough for my body to completely heal.

"RONIN OF YAMA! There you are!" The mare, who turned out to be a unicorn, the mane covered the horn, grinned. "Let us duel!"

"I accept! May I have the pleasure of your name?" I bowed slightly in the courtesy of duels.

"My name is Dokugan, and I am the mare that will take your eye!" Dokugan bowed as well, but it held mockery.

"Let us begin."

The mare's horn lit up with a blood red hue and a katana flew out of her daisho. Dokugan swished it in the air and grinned. I stared her down while I slowly grabbed my griffon gloves, ones I hadn't worn in decades. Mutterings and whispers circulated around us, a quick peek in the peripheral said that the villagers were gathering to watch. I snorted and finished putting on my gloves, then I crouched low and gazed at my opponent.

"Let's!" Within seconds, Dokugan crossed the clearing and aimed for my throat. But I too, was quick, and had already moved out of harms way. Collective oohs and ahs could be heard, but I paid no heed. My sole focus was the mare in front of me. We started circling warily, our first cards already dealt. Now came the bluffs.

Dokugan's face never broke from the ear-splitting grin and all the while, her magic kept the katana swishing through the air. Unicorns, a fearsome warrior if trained properly, and unfortunately, Dokugan seemed to be trained by the best. Her katana was a token of appreciation as well, such craftponyship was rare beyond belief. Steel folded no more than 2,000 times, the mouthgrip created from the finest isunoki woods, and the engravings speak of professionalism. This was no mere sword.

With a cry, Dokugan rushed forwards once again, the magicked sword flying ahead of her. Quickly moving on my hooves, I slid slightly out of the way, while my jaw gripped on the invisible hilt and pulled my katana out and quickly deflected Dokugan's blow. The glancing of our clash caused her to stumble off to the side, but she recovered quickly.

There was no time to rest as she rushed at me again, a feral grin matching her bloodlust gaze. Her magic moved in a blur while my face twitched ever so slightly, just enough for each blow to glance off and miss me. This dance continued for several minutes before our swords clashed and locked. Following the law of duels, our muzzles leaned in over our blades so we could converse, if only for a few seconds.

"May I ask how you came to these skills?" I asked through my hilt.

"As if you would like to know!" Dokugan snorted and quickly put a surge in her magic, causing our interlocked status no longer existent.

Now began our second rotation. After this, anything could happen. Unconventional tactics are to be expected after the second rotation. I contemplated what I should do next as I walked around and around, my trained eyes darting everywhere. In one of these glances, I saw a familiar pink coat. That was a mistake.

Before I could react, a katana speared me right through the chest. Breath was driven out of my punctured lungs. My legs turned weak and blood was sloshing everywhere in the inside. In normal cases, this was certain death. I ignored everything and rose up and casted a stern gaze at the unicorn who dared spear me.

"It was an opening and I took it." Dokugan shrugged sheepishly. "You can't blame me for that."

I whinnied and galloped forwards, ready to slash through her, but I wasn't quick enough. Dokugan twisted away, only the tip catching on some fur, as I rushed past. Before any blow could hit me from behind, I rotated and faced my opponent once again. She and I were breathing heavily now, a long fight such as this hadn't happened to me in quite some time and from her weariness, so had she.

I glanced at Dokugan and quickly pulled out her katana from my chest and threw it back at her. The mare caught it in her magic and flicked it, letting my blood fall off. In a duel, it is considered dishonorable to fight an unarmed opponent. She settled back into her battle stance, prepared for anything. What she wasn't prepared for was my special technique.

With ease from years of practice, I balanced on my two backhooves and switched the katana to my right hoof. The griffon gloves easily grabbing the mouthgrip. With a seriousness only reserved for those worthy, I leveled my gaze. Dokugan met it with no hesitancy or fear.

"Before we continue, I am honoured-bound to tell you that you have earned my respect." I swept both forehooves to my sides and bowed low, declaring my honesty.

"Ronin of Yama, you have no idea how much that means to me. Despite my dark deeds and wrongdoings, you still honor me." Dokugan replied, her voice betraying no hint of irony or sarcasm, just pure honesty. "Let me return the favor by completing this duel the right way."

I watched her sheath her katana and slowly lowered her stance, her horn sparking with readiness. I recognized what she was doing as the traditional Neighponese standoff and I followed suit. We stared each other down, my hoof resting on my hilt while Dokugan's magic brushed on hers. The gathered crowd of villagers stood quiet, the suspense silencing their will.

What happened next was a complete blur, nopony present could describe clearly what had happened. We faced each other one second, and then in another, we both stood at two different edges of the clearing, our backs facing each other. Then blood spurt on both myself and Dokugan. Another second later and the mare fell to the ground, her soul lost to the kami.

✿✿✿

The sun was setting and my hooves were taking me on another journey. Behind me lay Hoofchi, a quaint little town, and further lay a fresh grave. Underneath the loosened dirt lay an adversary worthy enough to cross blades with Ronin of Yama. Musings invaded my brain, but those could wait. For the sun only sets once a day.

Author's Note

Japanese Dictionary:
Mura: Village
Torii: Shinto gateway
Sake: Rice wine, very popular
Tanto: Knife
Tenno: Emperor
Dokugan: Single eye
Isunoki: A sturdy tree
Kami: Spirits or gods, depending on who you ask.

I want to make something really clear, these translations are not completely accurate nor am I of Japanese heritage. This is more or less what it means with some creative liberties. If you are offended by this, then by all means, accuse me. I meant no disrespect and I hope it doesn't impact the story in itself.

HUZZAH, arc 1 done.