At the dojo.
Nikolas stood alone, his heart pounding with a mixture of nerves and excitement, as he faced his master, Yuemura, in a tense standoff. Beads of sweat glistened on Nikolas' brow as he met the steely gaze of his mentor, ready to embark on the next phase of his training.
The other disciples, Erick included, sat around the corner to observe, their eyes fixed on the duo in the center of the dojo
Using only his bare hands, they engaged in a fierce exchange, each movement calculated and precise. Nikolas felt the weight of Yuemura's expertise bearing down on him, every strike and feint a testament to the mastery of his sensei. With every step and shift in posture, they sought to gain the upper hand, testing each other's limits and pushing themselves to the brink of exhaustion.
Nikolas's muscles burned with effort, his breath coming in ragged gasps as he parried and countered Yuemura's relentless attacks.
After what felt like an eternity, Yuemura finally disengaged, a hint of approval in his eyes as he addressed his disciples.
"Not bad," he remarked, his voice carrying the weight of years of experience. "I think you and your brother are now prepared to start the real training. You have both shown… good progress."
Nikolas raised his eyebrows, surprised. Yuemura was a man of few compliments. He still remembered his first one "you are no longer total trash…"
[Yeah, that is exactly what he said.]
Nikolas and Erick exchanged a glance, a silent acknowledgment of how far they had come since they first stepped foot in the dojo. Despite the bruises and fatigue that gnawed at their bodies, they felt a sense of pride swell within them.
"Thanks master!" As they bowed respectfully to their master, Yuemura seated himself in the lotus position, a real sword resting across his legs. The older disciples observed from a respectful distance, their eyes trained on their revered sensei as he began to speak.
[I'm just adapting to my body, but my brother is the true genius! It was within my goals what I did. But he was just a bit slower than me even learning everything from zero!!] The older brother couldn't help but to be mesmerized by Erick's development.
"Rectitude, courage, benevolence, civility, sincerity, honor, and loyalty," Yuemura intoned, his voice resonating with authority. "These are the seven core precepts of Bushido, the code of the warrior. They are the guiding principles that should govern every samurai's actions, both on and off the battlefield."
Nikolas listened intently, his mind buzzing with the weight of Yuemura's words. Each precept held profound meaning, offering a roadmap for living a life of honor and integrity. In the quietude of the dojo, surrounded by the soft rustle of bamboo and the gentle hum of nature, the principles of Bushido took on a new significance.
After a small pause the old man continued in a mild tone.
"These principles shall bring glory to whichever man follows them. Glory for those who have the power of deciding upon a course of conduct with reason, without wavering. Blessed are those who can show their benevolence, dignity and sincerity to all humans… May these words guide you to your glory."
"I shall pursue glory with these principles in my heart, master," Nikolas declared, his voice steady and resolute. He felt a sense of purpose ignite within him, fueled by the timeless wisdom of Bushido.
Erick echoed his brother's sentiment, his eyes alight with determination. Together, they bowed deeply, a silent pledge to uphold the virtues of Bushido in all their endeavors.
"I shall do it too…" Erick added.
Master Yuemura nodded in approval, a faint smile playing on his lips. "Remember, my young warriors, the path of Bushido is not an easy one," he cautioned. "But I shall guide you with full sincerity towards the Way of the Sword."
At that moment, Yuemura took two real katanas and proceeded to give them each.
The apocalypse was terrible and the once Dragon King did not have good memories of it. But, nevertheless, we could say that he missed only one thing from that life: his weapons.
The feeling of holding his katana and fighting was marvelous, almost intoxicating and he craved it since the day he went back.
"Even though these katanas are flat without an edge, we'll use them for our training. First, feel the balance and its weight."
Erick eagerly examined their weapons, feeling the balance and weight of each blade. Though the katanas lacked an edge, they still held a certain power, a promise of the journey ahead.
They nodded.
Nikolas felt a surge of nostalgia as he held the sword. In his previous life, his weapon had been his constant companion, a symbol of his strength and resolve. His old katana, forged with the tooth of a Black Tiger, held a special place in his heart. He longed to wield it again, to feel its weight and power in his hands.
[One day, I'll craft her again… this sword is utterly trash compared to her!]
"Feel the coldness of the blade with your finger." Master Yuemura said slowly.
The duo did as told.
"The sword is not only a deadly weapon, but it is an extension of yourself; not only of your body, but of your mind and emotions." Yuemura explained, his words carrying weight and wisdom.
A second later, Master Yuemura positioned himself in front of Erick, sword in hand, ready to strike. Erick braced himself, his heart pounding with anticipation.
"You've barely learned how to control your own body, so let me see how you'd deal with a real sword! Come, let's start!" The sensei ordered, a smile playing on his lips.
"Wait… won't you teach us first!?" Erick asked.
"I am teaching… the pain will help you learn!" The sensei answered with à light smile on his lips.
Without waiting for Erick to prepare himself, the master quickly slashed his sword downwards! Fortunately, the boy was already aware of his master's way of teaching and he was able to take a step back in the nick of time.
"Good!" Yuemura followed with an upwards slash, even faster than the last!
Erick, who had never held a katana in his life, tried to block the income attack by placing his sword horizontally downwards.
Pack!
As the katanas met, Erick felt the impact on his hands and he almost lost the grip of the sword! Immediately afterwards, he felt something hit his left leg and he fell.
Yuemura's katana reached Erick's neck.
"Dead…" Yuemura bluntly stated. After the boy got up, he explained. "Your reflexes are sharp, but remember: in a true fight, do not expect your enemy to take it easy on you, nor even to fight fairly."
"Okay, master!" Erick got up and caressed his hurt ankle.
"One more time…" Again, without hesitation, Yuemura unleashed a series of strikes, each one swift and precise. Erick struggled to defend himself, his movements clumsy and uncertain.
Defeat after defeat bruises formed on his hands and legs. Yet with each strike, he learned, his reflexes sharpening, his resolve strengthening
Nikolas said nothing while his brother took multiple beatings, this was his master's way to teach how the real world worked, intervening would make things worse.
After a few spars later and when Erick was exhausted, it was the older brother's turn.
"You indeed have hard bones, boy." Yuemura complimented Erick as the teenager sat back down. "Now let me test your brother's…"
Nikolas got up looking deeply in his master's every movement. However, the old man just stood there, unguarded, full of openings. Nikolas knew it was a trap, but he had to attack!
"Alright, here I go!" Nikolas said, immediately trusting his katana forward.
Yuemura easily sidestepped, avoiding the sudden attack and went forward with a vertical slash of his katana aimed at Nikolas's throat.
The boy quickly brought the sword in front of him by raising the left elbow.
With each exchange, the feeling of battle filled his heart and mind. The values of Bushido echoed in his thoughts, guiding his movements with purpose and precision.
In a moment of clarity, Nikolas's disposition shifted, his older self taking control. For a split of a second, the Dragon King was once back to life, ready to slaughter! With a deadly grace, he launched an attack, his movements fluid and calculated.
A true master of the sword had descended.
The katana revolved forward. A deadly and tricky attack to defend, aimed at Yuemura's belly.
Yuemura was momentarily stunned by the aura he felt, his reflexes barely fast enough to block the attack. But it was too late—Nikolas had shown off his true skills, his mastery of the sword revealed.
As the dojo fell silent, Nikolas realized his mistake. He had let his ego cloud his judgment, his desire to prove himself getting the better of him. With a deep breath, he lowered his katana.