Shera never came back for Keria, beings that is was a Friday, and dad found that we were faking, so he kicked us out of the house until ten at night. Mom hated the idea, but dad insisted that we become strong while we were still young.1

So, there we were, wondering, somewhat aimlessly, around Kirigakure, our home village. We kind of hated it here, but at the same time, it's the only place we knew.2

We bumped into someone who had this huge sword, probably close to five to six feet long, and two feet wide, across his back on a leather sword-belt, the sword was bound in bandages. It was one of the Seven Swordsmen. He wielded a nameless blade that was known for eating chakra from whoever he hit with it's blade, which was unknown as why it was covered in bandages anyway.3

"watch it, kids! You do not want to be caught under this blade!" the man said, adjusting the leather sword-belt.4

"Yes sir." we told him.5

"By the way, I'm Swordsman Kura shenai. don't really have a name for my sword yet. I'm not sure why people name thier blades." he admitted.6

"Kura-Sensei" I spoke up, "I may be able to help name the sword."7

"Really, now? Can I get your name?' he replied.8

"Yes. I'm Kisame Hoshigaki." I replied.9

"Oh, the blue Steel's son." Kura chuckled, "I see, you do look a lot like him, Kisame. and can I get your friend's name?"10

"I'm Keria Anareku." Keria said.11

"Well, it's Kyra's daughter!" Kura said, impressed, "Two strong, young children from good clans. I'd be happy to let you guys help me! Maybe, I can teach you how to swing a sword in ways your opponent won't see coming! Come, then!" Kura said, smiling.12

Keria and I looked at each other and nodded, and followed Kura-sensei to the training fields. He handed us a couple katannas, both slightly heavier than what we're used to, but we got the hang of them quickly.13

"Okay, follow these formations, kids." Kura told us, swing his sword left and right in animal-like forms. Keria and I got the forms down quickly.14

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An hour or two of learning new moves later, we had to spar each other. We were exact matches again, but this time, Kerai had parred my attack and pinned me to the ground.16

"I win" she giggled, lowering her hand. I took her hand and she pulled me to my feet.17

"good match." she said.18

"Yeah, you were great, keria" I said, chuckling.19

Kura grinned, "Seems you two possess great sportsmanship, that's a good sign that you'll be good partners on missions someday."20

"Really?" she and I asked in unison.21

"Of course, kids. You see, what you two have is a bond, and bonds between genin are rare. It's even rarer in shinobi and jounin. You two will have this bond for the rest of your lives. You never know, you might end up getting married. but now, lets not think of that possible future, you two are just eight year old's after all." Kura chuckled.22

Keria and I nodded, "Really, sensei?" we asked.23

"Of course! Because of your bond, you can read what the other is thinking and build a great strategy from it. You may never know how good a talent like that is until you fight your first true enemy." he sighed.24

We adsorbed his words, and understood them. 25

"well, you kids better get home for dinner" Kura said, "I'll train you guys more tomorrow, okay? I already asked the Mizugake if I could be your sensei, he's fine with the idea." Kura chuckled, rubbing our heads.26

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We both arrived at my clan residence five til ten. Mom let us in because dad was on a three-day-long mission with Keria's father. Her mother decided to stay at my house to keep my mom company and let Keria stay too to keep me company. 28

We ate a good dinner of mom's so-called famous stir-fried shrimp and roasted crab. she was a great cook, and promised to teach me this summer.29

We four laughed and talked about random things the entire night. Mom asked us what Keria and I did today and we told her about Kura teaching us and asking us to help name his sword. Our mothers looked impressed and happy. They were proud of us, in short. And we were happy.30

[to be continued]31