Unemployed Ninja

"Whoop! There you are." I was lucky enough to walk by and see her falling and just happen to catch her without a problem. My wounds were healed long ago so it was much easier to do things I liked to do - such as catching my wife.

"I was looking for you! Practicing?" I smiled.

"The only thing I've been practicing today is the art of falling, my dear Ijin!" I replied with a fake irritated face. "An art you should be proud of your wife knowing, and should be eager to learn how to properly fall!"

"I'd rather learn to fly." I admitted with a smirk, "Oh yes, I better not forgot why I came out here to find you in the first place. We have been assigned a mission, just you and I."

"Oooh! Really???" I replied, interested even more now. "What's it for?" I asked excitedly, though I was very quiet. I knew not to blather about it.

"Again we're going as husband and wife, of course - but we are going to be selling things along the way for our disguises. It'll be a bit longer of a trip because we won't be stopping in Moro." I told her.

"Oh, I see... well, I can handle it." I replied with a firm nod. "What will we be selling?"

"Well when we get there we'll be helping out a family with selling bowls and other things, it's not a big part of the mission. But whatever you do, don't reveal your identity. Because you're really married to me now you're in more danger...just try to stay close, okay?" I was worried about her more than I'd been on the last mission, she did mean more to me than before.

I let loose a reassuring smile. "Don't worry about me, Ijin. I'll be fine! What shall my name be?"

"I picked Emi, because it means 'beautiful blessing'. You'll call me Dai, I had to change mine since...well everyone knows my old one." I explained, as I often did. Why did it feel like I was always explaining?

"Dai... okay then!" I replied happily. Beautiful blessing? He's too sweet...

We left first thing the next morning dressed in villager type attire that didn't give away our identities. I walked along side her as we got into a big conversation. We talked of many things - except one thing.

We never talked about families. My mother had mentioned many times wanting grandchildren but I'd always said I'd never be the one to provide that. I smirked, children were not really my thing. At this point it wasn't on the list of things we discussed. But I had a gut feeling that it was going to be brought up somewhere.

"Hey, what do you think about maybe... having a child one day?" I said after a while, heart beating rapidly. We had never talked about children before, and I wanted to know.

"Wait, a child? I don't think we need children, it's sort of...not in the lifestyle we live you know? And the whole...pregnancy thing would be quite a hindrance." Did I really just say that to my wife? I should have been more considerate and I had a feeling I just said something very mean.

That hurt. I simply stared at the ground, as I felt tears of deep, unrelenting sadness fill my eyes. "I see." I replied softly. At that point, I had wished my hair was long again. At least then he wouldn't be able to see the tears.

"Emi, I'm sorry." I had to use her fake name since we were out of the territory, "I didn't mean that...I'd just worry if you want a child one day maybe! I'm sorry, please forgive me I'm so sorry!" It took me a few moments to notice that my hands were clasped and that I was on my knees in begging stance.

"It's okay, Dai... I asked, and now I know." I said, wiping away my tears. "Your answer simply surprised me it all. I'll be fine." I forced a a smile, but it was no where close to convincing.

I felt like a jerk. I shouldn't have told her that but explaining my reasoning to her was near impossible. I almost put my arm around her shoulder but I knew it would be in vain, I was sure she didn't want me to touch her at that point.

"Come on... let's keep moving." I finally said through a heavy sigh. "We won't get anywhere by just standing around." I was quiet for a little while before finally speaking up. "A baby boy would carry on the family name, Ijin. I'm not trying to pressure you though! Please know that!"

I felt a tug at my heart like I usually did when something involved her got me. I wanted to laugh at her persistence but I knew I should take her words seriously.

"A boy you say? Are you telling me your pregnant? You're being awfully persistent right now." I smiled at her.

"If I told you I was, would you be more receptive?" I replied questioningly. No, I wasn't pregnant... I just wanted him to think differently on such a matter as children. Especially if he wanted to enjoy me... because if he wanted that, children were bound to come.

"I sure wouldn't be mad if you were. If it happens it happens..." My eyes widened, "You are?! Is it a boy? Will it be?" Woah what just came over me? I felt excited, beyond words thrilled! But then again maybe she was pulling my leg...

"AHA!! I CAUGHT YOU!" I exclaimed, pointing my finger at him. "You do want kids!!" I smiled happily, and even giggled a bit. It made me happy to discover this.

I couldn't help but feel disappointed, "Ah...th-that...the reason I'm scared is because if I had to leave...and if something happened I'd never forgive myself. I can't take you along on missions...it would..." I'd never stuttered like that before.

I gently took his hand with a smile. "My love, Dai... I can protect myself for a good two months before I must second-guess my actions. And after that, I could stay with other friends who would keep me and the baby safe. After the child is born, I would be able to fight again! I would be fine."

I smiled a little, "L-Let's not think about that for now. You're not pregnant so we shouldn't have any worries." I felt slightly bummed, my heart changed within seconds of my original reaction to the conversation. I guess I know how she felt about being played with now.