For certain reasons, I can only continue to write my story now.

Reluctantly, Nabiki begins to read the letter because her mother wrote to her.

"My beloved daughter. Happy 17th birthday. I am sure that you have become a beautiful and intelligent woman who walks confidently and proudly through life. You now know the truth and of course you want to know why me Left you with my sister. Please don't think of me that I didn't love you. But in my situation at the time, it was best for you. I know very well that you had a happy childhood with Sachiko, and she always has one for you good mother true. Something I couldn't have given you. By the time you read this letter I will probably be dead long ago, just like you if I had kept you with me. You must be wondering what I mean by that. Well I'll try to explain, I'm a hit man.You are certainly horrified now, but it is true. I've been a killer since I was 17. And that's why you weren't safe with me. But it is impossible to explain everything to you in one letter. There should still be a card in the envelope. The address on it belongs to an old friend of mine. I ask you to visit her. She will explain everything to you. Finally, I want to tell you again how much I love you. I regret that I couldn't see you grow up. Please never doubt my feelings for you. And please do not tell the others what is in this letter. Better if they never know. "

Completely irritated, Nabiki puts the letter to one side. Then she reaches for the envelope and takes out the card, which she hadn't noticed before. After looking at it for a while, she goes downstairs into the living room. Since it is already after midnight, the others have long been asleep.All except Sachiko. "You're not asleep yet?" "No. I've been waiting for you. I thought you might want to talk when you've read the letter. What did it say?" Nabiki looks down wordlessly. "It's okay. You don't have to tell me if you don't want to." "I wanted to ask you if you might have a photo of my mother." "Yes, I have." Then she reaches into the pocket of her apron, takes out the photo and hands it to Nabiki. The photo shows a beautiful woman in her early 20s with long red hair, who is smiling happily and holding a baby in her arms. "The photo was taken shortly before she left." That is too much for Nabiki, now the feelings are breaking out of her with full force. The tears run down her cheeks. Without thinking twice, Sachiko hugs the completely dissolved Nabiki to comfort her.

Three days later. Nabiki is sitting in a small cafe in Sapporo, Hokkaido. Her mother's friend is said to live in this city.Because of course she didn't tell anyone about her trip here. She told them that in the moment she needs a quiet moment to think about everything, and that is why she is staying with a friend for a few days. After paying for her coffee, she goes to see this woman. There are many thoughts going through her head. Does the woman still live here at all, or is she perhaps already dead? After all, 17 years is a long time. Still, she has to try. After all, she wants to find out everything about her mother. After walking for half an hour, she has reached her destination. She stands in astonishment in front of the house to which the address belongs. It's a big western style house. She hesitates for a brief moment, but then goes to the door and rings the doorbell. After waiting a moment, an elderly woman opens the door. You should be in your mid or late 50s. Her hair is reddish brown, her stature is very handsome. The lady looks a little puzzled at the young girl standing in front of her."Hello. What can I do for you?" Nabiki hesitantly replies. "Hello. My name is Nabiki Tendo and I ..." "But she doesn't get any further. Completely surprised, the woman interrupts her." Your name is Nabiki? You're not Akemi Tendo's daughter, are you? " "But. I am "" Come in first. We have wants to discuss. "Nabiki follows the lady into the living room." Have a seat, I'll make some tea first. Do you like cherry blossom tea? "" This is my favorite tea. "After the lady has gone into the kitchen, Nabiki looks around the living room. There are works of art and artifacts from different eras everywhere. She is particularly interested in old samurai armor." This is an original armor from the battle of Segikahara. "Nabiki was so absorbed that she didn't even notice the woman coming back into the room." You seem very interested in history. " "Yes. Besides math, my favorite subject. "" Come and sit down.You certainly have a lot of questions. By the way, my name is Kimie. "Slowly Nabiki takes a seat at the table and takes the teacup designated for her in her hand." How quickly time goes by. I was expecting you to come to me one day. But that has been 17 years since then. "" You knew I was coming? " "Yes. Your mother came back to see me after she left you with her sister and told me that she would send you to me with the letter. But tell me, did she tell you the truth about herself in the letter? "" Do you mean she was a hit man? "Yes." "You know what happened to my mother." Kimie replies in a sad voice, "She is dead. Half a year after she left you, she was killed." "What!" Nabiki looks at Kimie in horror and disbelief. "It's true. She has long been persecuted by an organization called Les Soldats. That was why she left you. If you had stayed with her, they would have killed you too."Tears run down Nabiki's cheeks. Secretly she had hoped that her mother would still be alive and that she could meet her here." Listen to me now, Nabiki. Your mother wasn't just a simple hit man. She belonged to the Order of Assassins. This is an ancient secret society of female contract killers from all over the world. And they are the best in the world. When you are old enough, your mother wanted you to decide whether you would like to join the order as well. " "What? " "Think it over well. I would be ready to train you. You can stay here until you've made up your mind. "