Blade without Edge

Prologue
The sun was setting on the western horizon, turning the watery rows of rice in the fields to snaking ribbons of burnt gold. The sky was blood-orange and a dry wind scraped across the surface of the ground, pushing small plumes of dust into the air. The river whispered deep threats as it ran its course, crickets cried bitter warnings in the dead grass of late summer, and a small party of black-robed Shinigami, dark silhouettes against the burning hues of the fading day, cautiously approached the small water mill at the edge of the village.

The place was still and deserted. From the faded-gray of the splintered wood siding, thick weeds and the drooping straw roof, it was obvious that the mill had stood abandoned for some years. The water wheel creaked as it was pushed by the current of the river, and all stood alert, anxiously scanning the area for any sign of movement.

There were eight members in the task force, most of whom were low in rank or unseated and generally untried in actual combat. The one exception was the lieutenant assigned to oversee the mission, now directing three of the Shinigami to the east side, then motioning for one of the other team members to approach from across the river. He would remain behind, however, allowing the others to prove their worth in what he hoped would be an easy victory. The assignment was not a complicated one: a way-ward Hollow had taken up residence at the water mill and from there had terrorized the surrounding farmlands. They were here, in other words, for an exorcism.

Each seemed nervous, their breaths coming short and quick, hearts pounding in the dry silence. As the group of three moved towards the mill, their movement through the rustling grass startled a flock of crows, who took to the sky with harsh cries that seemed only to heighten the sense of animosity and danger already thick in the atmosphere. But far above even the crows, a flash of gold and red could be seen where a hawk circled the mill, and the lieutenant, Takashi Sakuma, nodded to a young man who crouched near him.

“As soon as they determine the Hollow’s location, you, Shibata and Wakiya will cut to the west to distract it. Wait for my signal before you strike.” he said in a low voice.