"Because..."
She lifted her head and looked at Genya, her eyes calm.
"Other than practicing with my sword, I don't know what else I can do."
Genya looked at her, then suddenly smiled.
It wasn't mocking or helpless. It was the kind of smile that said, "I understand."
"All right, then I'll teach you another move."
Yugao blinked.
Genya had already raised his blade, his stance relaxed.
"Watch closely. This move is called Follow Your Heart."
"Follow Your Heart?"
"Yeah. Cut however you want. No set moves, no patterns. Just follow your instincts."
Yugao frowned.
"What kind of swordsmanship is that?"
"It isn't swordsmanship. It's the way of the sword."
His blade descended slowly, so slowly that Yugao could see every detail.
Yet that single stroke made her pupils contract.
There was no killing intent, no chakra, just one simple stroke.
But in that instant, she felt as though she had seen something.
Shisui's back as he taught her swordsmanship, and that boy standing in the moonlight at the celebration, saying, "Everyone is a Hokage."
That tiny, feeble flame in her heart, on the verge of going out.
The blade stopped in midair.
Genya sheathed it and looked at her.
"Understand?"
Yugao stood there, gripping her sword, silent for a long time.
The morning breeze stirred her long purple hair.
Her eyes reddened, but she didn't cry.
She drew a deep breath, looked at Genya, and gave a solemn nod.
"I understand."
Genya smiled.
"Then don't just learn from Shisui from now on. Come find me when you have time. I'll teach you a few moves."
Yugao paused, and the faintest smile lifted the corners of her mouth.
"All right."
She put on her cat mask, becoming an elite Anbu ninja once more, and bowed slightly to Genya.
"Lord Genya,