Time!
That was Nikolas' most limited asset; once it was spent, there was no turning back.
Because of that, he was using every minute he had available to prepare for the impending doom. Only when his family was safe would he rest. Even though he knew the consequences of straining his body so much, it was nothing compared to the stress he had faced before.
As people around the world kept to their usual routines, unaware of the approaching disaster, Nikolas worked nonstop to complete his plans. Another week passed in a flash as he focused heavily on training his body to peak condition together with his brother, Erick.
Nikolas pushed himself to the limit, sparring with Master Yuemura daily. Each session was intense, filled with swift strikes and strategic counterattacks. Yuemura, despite his initial doubts, began to see the depth of Nikolas' knowledge and experience. He was no longer just a disciple but a formidable swordsman in his own right.
During the nights, Nikolas barely slept. He spent hours researching, reading up on survival tactics, and making lists of supplies they would need. He planned every detail meticulously, from escape routes to safe houses. The thought of his family in danger kept him awake, pushing him to prepare for every possible scenario.
At the same time, Nikolas helped his father increase and fortify the wall around their house. They worked tirelessly, hauling bricks and mixing cement. The wall now stood tall and imposing, transforming their home into a fortress.
Fortunately for them, such sights were not uncommon in Brazil, where high walls and security measures were almost the norm. This didn't attract too much attention from neighbors.
"Phew! Now we are secure, thanks for the help son!" Reginald wiped his dusty hands and offered a grateful smile to his oldest children as they stood side by side, admiring their handiwork. As a father, he easily noticed the changes in his son's attitude. It was as if overnight, Nikolas had matured into a man. For some unknown reason, not only did he decide to grow muscles but was also acting with a newfound sense of responsibility. Reginald said nothing, sensing that these changes were for the better.
"Indeed, now we'll be safe," Nikolas agreed with his father, though his thoughts were focused on a different kind of security.
As they finished up, Nikolas glanced at the fortified wall, feeling a small sense of relief. He knew this was just one of many steps they had to take to prepare for the coming apocalypse. The physical barriers would help, but the real battle would be fought with their skills and wits.
Reginald clapped his son on the back. "You've really stepped up, Nik. I'm proud of you."
"Thanks, Dad," Nikolas replied, smiling.
The tasks seemed never-ending, yet Nikolas found satisfaction in completing each one. Alongside fortifying the wall, he had also cleared out the abandoned house's garden and planted potatoes in the fertile soil. It was a practical choice—potatoes were easy to sow, fast to grow, and would provide a reliable source of food for the group in the months to come.
His physical transformation continued as well. He had shed another 10 kilos, roughly 20 pounds, as his muscles grew stronger and leaner. With each passing day, he gained more precise control over his body, and the run to the dojo no longer posed a challenge.
"There is still a long way to go," Nikolas mused to himself looking at the mirror after a quick shower, a determined glint in his eyes. "I can't even compare to some professional soldiers, yet."
He knew that changing his body condition would take time and effort, but he viewed it as a long-term investment in his survival. Last time, he had survived for ten years, but this time he planned on not just surviving, but thriving.
His training at the dojo grew even more intense now that he didn't have to hide his strength. With his true abilities out in the open, a new dynamic emerged between him and Yuemura. After admitting that he had nothing more to teach technique-wise, the master surprised Nikolas by asking to be taught instead.
Teaching his own master felt strange initially, but Yuemura's respectful demeanor eased the transition. Nikolas soon realized a significant difference: Yuemura's swordplay of today was not the same as the one he knew from the apocalypse. While the man's character remained unchanged, the master he had known had faced countless deadly encounters, resulting in a sword style that was far trickier and more aggressive.
This put Nikolas in a peculiar position—he had to teach Yuemura the very techniques and tricks he had originally learned from him.
This process was enlightening. As Nikolas taught and carefully analyzed the flow of his own moves, he felt the wall blocking his progress in swordsmanship slowly diminishing. Every passing day brought him closer to a breakthrough. He sensed he needed just one final push to advance, but the nature of the next step remained a mystery to him.
While Nikolas focused on refining his skills, Erick was developing by leaps and bounds. His progress, though basic compared to Nikolas's, was rapid and impressive. Even master Yuemura was mesmerized by Erick's growth.
Yuemura's other three disciples, who were left out of these special lessons, couldn't help but to become more and more frustrated as the week went by. They could only speculate about the reasons behind their master's unusual behavior and the intense training sessions taking place behind closed doors.
The three disciples, Hiraoka Tadamichi, Sada Suketsune, and Noburo, often found themselves lingering outside the dojo, exchanging theories and trying to catch glimpses of the sessions.
********
Inside one of the dojo's rooms, the three disciples gathered, frustration evident on their faces.
"I can't believe he left us out of the training this afternoon again!" Sada complained, his voice tight with anger.
Noboru, the youngest disciple, seethed with even more intensity. He threw his katana to the side in a fit of rage. "Shit! I'm going to confront that old man! We've been with him for years, and now he acts like we don't exist!" He sprang up from his bed, marching towards the door with determination.
"Yes, let's go!" Sada agreed, quickly following Noboru's lead.
"Stop…" Hiraoka's voice cut through the tension, slow and measured.
The oldest disciple sat in a lotus position on his bed, eyes closed and face expressionless. His calm demeanor contrasted sharply with the younger men's agitation. It was the first time he had spoken since they entered the room.
"I'm sure the master has his own motives," Hiraoka said, opening his eyes and fixing them on his fellow disciples. "He will tell us when he thinks we are ready for it."
Sada and Noboru paused, their anger momentarily quelled by Hiraoka's words. The duo closed the already opened door and returned back to their beds. This showed how much they respected his authority, even more so in this moment of crisis when they felt wronged by their master.
"But Hiraoka, we've trained hard and stayed loyal for years. Why would he keep something from us now?" Noboru argued, his voice still edged with frustration.
"Yes..." Hiraoka agreed, maintaining his composure, though a strange glimmer flashed in his eyes. "Master Yuemura is not a man who acts without reason. If he believes we are not ready, then we must trust his judgment. Impatience will only cloud our minds and weaken our resolve."
"You're right." Sada Suketsune sighed. "We are his disciples, and we will stand by his side. This is the true meaning of loyalty stated in the Bushido code!"
As they were calming their nerves, the door suddenly swung open. Master Yuemura entered their room with a neutral face, impossible to read.
"I'm glad you're all here already; it will save my time," Yuemura stated, somewhat aloof.
"Master!" The three disciples stood up and bowed respectfully.
[Could it be that he heard our conversation?] they wondered.
"You three are going back to Japan," the Sensei ordered bluntly.
"What!?" They were perplexed.
"But we—" Nobo tried to speak but was cut short by the Master.
"No buts, I'm not asking you. It's an order!" Yuemura raised his eyebrows slightly, a sign that they clearly understood: he was getting mad.
The room fell silent, tension thick in the air. Sada and Noboru exchanged glances, their earlier determination wavering under their master's stern gaze.
Unexpectedly, it was Hiraoka who reacted first.
"Are you forsaking your own disciples!?" Hiraoka exclaimed furiously, his face reddening with anger.
"Forsaking you? You are more than just my disciples; you are my only family!" Yuemura's voice softened, revealing the depth of his care. "But now, your true families will need your help. Use everything I've taught you to face the hard times to come."
The room fell silent, the weight of Yuemura's words sinking in. Sada, Noboru, and Hiraoka exchanged uncertain glances.
"Master, what is happening?" Sada asked, his voice tinged with concern.
"A storm is coming…." Yuemura sighed deeply, his usual stoic demeanor cracking just a bit. "I'll say no more."
That was all he could tell them, Yuemura knew that anything beyond that would make the boys act the opposite of what he intended. If they were smart enough they would understand.
"Will we be able to see you again?" Noboru, the youngest, knowing that they wouldn't be able to get anything more from his master, was the first one to accept their fate.
"I hope so, kid," the master answered vaguely, not knowing what the future held.
"Master, I want to stay with you and keep learning!" Hiraoka bowed, his head almost touching the ground.
"You are my first disciple, and I have already taught you everything I knew," Yuemura said gently. "Actually, you can even open your own dojo, and in a few years, I'm sure you will surpass me!"
But those words were not sufficient for the man.
"It is all his fault, isn't it!?" Hiraoka was still indignant. "What did he say to you!?"
At this time, Sada tried to calm him down. "Hiraoka, I think it's enough..."
However, things had already gone too far, and Yuemura raised his hand, silencing Sada.
"Am I your master?" Yuemura asked Hiraoka.
"Yes, sensei!" Hiraoka answered and bowed.
"So why are you questioning me over and over again?" Yuemura's tone implied something very simple: if Hiraoka continued to question him, he would no longer be considered his disciple!
Hiraoka stayed silent, and Sada intervened before things could get worse. "We'll depart after this weekend, Master! We really appreciate everything you've done for us. I hope we can meet again soon!"
Yuemura nodded, his expression softening. "Take care of yourselves and your families. Remember, the true measure of a samurai is not just in his sword but in his heart and mind. Stay vigilant."
With heavy hearts, the three disciples bowed one last time and began to prepare for their departure.
As the disciples packed their belongings, they each took a moment to reflect on the years spent under Yuemura's guidance. They had no idea of what the future held for them.
On the day of their departure, Yuemura stood at the dojo's entrance, watching as his disciples prepared to leave. "Remember everything I've taught you," he said, his voice steady. "And take care of each other."
"We will, Master," Sada replied, bowing deeply. "Thank you for everything."
In the quiet that followed, Yuemura felt a mixture of pride and sadness. He had prepared them as best as he could, and now they were on their own paths. He turned back to the dojo, ready to face the challenges that lay ahead with Nikolas and Erick.