Hiroshi shouted out in frustration to the now night sky. He had spent those years training nearly every day to prepare for this moment. And yet, even after all that he failed to beat his Sensei. After a minute of silence, he began to speak.
"After everything. All that training. It still wasn't enough to defeat you."
"Your lack of training isn't what cost you Hiroshi."
"Then what was it, Sensei?"
"Hmmm… If I had to say off the top of my head, first would be midway through the fight you lost your head."
"How is that a problem."
"Did you forget? Letting yourself become a prisoner to your heart will always lead you to make bad decisions. Whether that be in your regular life or combat."
"So that's what it means… Shit!" This left Hiroshi so disappointed in himself. This was a lesson he had gone through with his Sensei before. So, for him to forget it during such a vital moment and have it also cost him the win hurt more than a deep cut from a sword.
"That's not all…"
"There's more?!" Hiroshi was already done after the first point. God knows what would happen to him once the second point hit.
"You failed to read your environment. As a fighter, let alone a warrior, it is of utmost importance that you read your surroundings. That includes taking advantage of it too."
"So, me tripping on the rock was- "
"Yes, it was all deliberate. All part of a plan I had improvised while we had our trade of fists."
"So that's why you were moving your eyes between each hit. For fuck's sake man…"
Hiroshi closed his eyes in resignment. He had given up on trying to rebel against his Sensei. Even after the military training, he was still no match for him.
"That being said, you shouldn't beat yourself up too much over this."
Hiroshi sprung back up to life. He began sitting upright only to stand up a few second after that.
"What do you mean by that?"
"You've definitely grown stronger over the years. Your technique has improved as well. Sure, you didn't beat me in a fight yet, but I'm proud of how far you've come. It was only yesterday when you didn't even know how to punch or swing a sword properly."
Hiroshi was touched by these words. He didn't think his Sensei would be this honest. He thought he'd be as strict as he was before going on the journey.
"Sensei, thank you."
Ryukishi came up to Hiroshi and hugged him.
"C'mon. Don't try to act so tough. I know you're a softy. It's okay if you let it all out now."
Hiroshi, trying not to let out all of his emotions did his best to contain them. But alas, he couldn't and the tears began flowing.
"W-who said I was gonna be e-emotional like that again?"
Hiroshi started sniffling mid-way through. The feeling hit him too hard. The tears were in full flow
"Certainly not me. I'm just glad to have you back Hiroshi."
"Me too! I'm glad to be back Sensei!"
Hiroshi couldn't stop crying. Even though he lost the fight, he was glad to have finally met his Sensei after what felt like such a long time to him. The 2 of them kept hugging for a while until Hiroshi stopped crying.
Almost half an hour had passed. Hiroshi had finally stopped crying.
"Alright then Hiroshi. Guess I'll see you tomorrow then."
"Yea. See you tomorrow, Sensei."
Just before he was about to leave, Ryukishi called out to him.
"Oi! Don't forget."
"Forget wha- "
Just before he could completely turn around, he saw Ryukishi's hand extended towards him. He wanted a handshake. Hiroshi obviously took him up on that offer and then 2 of them shook hands.
"It was a good fight Hiroshi."
"It really was, Sensei. Thank you for the fight."
"Thank you for the fight as well."
The handshake was broken, and the 2 of them went their separate ways.
"Man… I really liked this set. A true shame…" Ryukishi sighed.
Meanwhile over at the central area of Gwangjeon, Ari was making her way back home when she noticed a familiar face walking towards her direction. Except, this face was severely bruised.
"H-Hiroshi?! Is that you?!"
Hiroshi knew who that was from the first word. And boy was he embarrassed to walk into her like this.
"A-ah. Ari. How are you doing today?"
"I should be asking you that question! You look like a bunch of thugs just beat you up and stole all your money!"
"Heh. You still think that lowly of me don't you… Well, I'm afraid to inform you that you're wrong. I fought Ryukishi-Sensei to a duel and lost."
Ari couldn't believe it. She knew Hiroshi was stupid, but not this stupid.
"Of course, you would lose! That's Ryukishi you just fought! The man revered across the lands as the Blood Dragon!"
"Yea well he's also my Sensei so I think I had a chance after learning a thing or two from him."
"Well, I think you now know a thing or two clearly isn't enough to defeat him."
"I- Indeed. That is true."
Ari started feeling weird. She felt like Hiroshi was speaking in a more concise manner, which is very not like him.
"Hey, I've noticed something."
"What is it?"
"The way you speak… It's weird."
"Oh, that. I developed a habit for reading. That's all."
"Honestly, good on you for that. It's certainly a skill that'll help you out later in life."
"It's been pretty helpful even now."
Hiroshi was happy that Ari didn't lambast her like she usually would. Most of the time their conversations would devolve into arguments. However these days it feels like they've come to a mutual understanding that they're adults now.
"I see. Well let's get you patched up. I'll take you to the medic."
"Alright then."
The 2 of them walked towards the main area to have the medic tend to Hiroshi's wounds
The next 7 days went by like they were nothing. The first day, Ryukishi spent at home with the dojo closed, resting, recovering from his wounds and also making sure he had enough food growing in his garden.
The second day was a bit more active. Ryukishi asked Hiroshi to manage the dojo while he was gone. After a few attempts of persuasion (One involving a large supply of Senbeis) he agreed to take care of the dojo when he left. Next, he decided to go to the blacksmith to get his armor done. Ari accompanied him to let the blacksmith know that this piece of armor was being commissioned by Emperor Han.
On the 3rd day, Ryukishi opened the Dojo to the kids and let them train. After training, he had bought multiple stocks of vegetables, fruit and meat for the upcoming journey (most of which was covered by Emperor Han).
On the 4th day, he began training by himself in the early morning. This was so he could also train the kids once he's done. The rest of the day involved him training with Hiroshi.
On the 5th day, he spoke with Ari a bit more over the logistics of the trip. He made sure to remember the key details and began preparing rations accordingly to the plan.
On the 6th day, he polished his weapons and tested them to make sure they were still as effective as they had been. He had been polishing them regularly, but this time he made sure to polish them as much as he could. Why? It's because he felt like cleaning. Speaking of which, he also cleaned his entire house. Afterwards, he had his last meal at this house for a long while. Thinking about what kind of adventure he had set himself up for.
And then, came the 7th day.