Malcom's long journey up the mountain had been challenging, but finally, he reached the top where Lord Minato awaited him. As he emerged over the peak, he couldn't believe his eyes. The beauty of the location was beyond his imagination. The sightseeing was simply magnificent, with water flowing gracefully beneath the rock and lush green vegetation surrounding them. It felt like a paradise tucked away from the bustling world.
Overwhelmed by the picturesque scene, Malcom found himself at a loss for words. He turned to Lord Minato, his eyes shimmering with awe, and said, "This is the most beautiful place I've ever seen since we arrived."
Lord Minato grinned, pleased to see Malcom appreciating the beauty of the place. "I told you there was no other view like this," he replied with a hint of pride.
Curiosity piqued, Malcom couldn't help but wonder how Lord Minato had discovered such a hidden gem. "How did you find this place?" he asked inquisitively.
Lord Minato's smile widened, as he revealed, "This is my sanctuary. Whenever I need to clear my mind or simply relax, I come here. It holds a special place in my heart, as it's also where I completed my own Swordsman training."
The revelation made Malcom's face light up with joy. "So, this is where our training ends," he exclaimed happily, feeling a sense of accomplishment.
"Yes, my young student," Lord Minato confirmed. "But don't think our journey is over just yet. Personal training begins right here."
Intrigued, Malcom eagerly waited to learn more about what awaited him.
Malcom listened attentively to Lord Minato, he was intrigued by the notion that being a powerful swordsman involved more than just swordsmanship. Lord Minato revealed that there were many techniques that could enhance a swordsman's strength and abilities.
"Wait, are you saying there's more to being a skilled swordsman than just wielding a sword?" Malcom asked, his eyes wide with surprise.
Lord Minato chuckled at Malcom's astonishment. "Indeed, young one," he replied with a smile. "There are numerous techniques that can make a swordsman more formidable, and they don't require any supernatural abilities."
Curiosity piqued, Malcom eagerly inquired, "But how is that possible? I thought only those with special powers could possess such skills."
Lord Minato shook his head, dispelling the misconception. "You see, these techniques are rooted in mastering the connection between mind, body, and sword. They tap into the natural potential of a swordsman, rather than relying on supernatural forces."
He went on to explain that these techniques involved honing one's physical and mental abilities to a level of extraordinary precision. By understanding the intricacies of swordsmanship and the inner workings of the body, a swordsman could achieve greatness.
Malcom's eyes sparkled with newfound understanding. "So, it's all about training and mastering these skills," he exclaimed.
"Exactly," Lord Minato affirmed. "It's about dedication, practice, and unlocking the potential that lies within you. These techniques have been passed down through generations, refined by countless skilled swordsmen before us."
With a gentle smile, he reached behind his back and drew forth a worn leather backpack, the kind that hinted at many travels and adventures. The backpack seemed to carry fruits!
"Malcom," Lord Minato began, "this backpack may appear to hold simple fruits, but hidden within lies a profound lesson. Observe closely, for I shall reveal to you the essence of a crucial sword technique."
With Malcom's curiosity piqued, he fixed his gaze on Lord Minato, ready to soak in every word and movement.
With a sense of purpose, Lord Minato selected a strawberry from the assortment of fruits before him. The air was filled with anticipation as he closed his eyes, preparing for what was about to unfold. Delicately, he brought the strawberry close to his nose, attentively inhaling its fragrance. A look of tranquility washed over his face as he immersed himself in the sensory experience.
With the scent imprinted in his mind, Lord Minato took a step back and steadied himself. In one fluid motion, he tossed the apple into the air, and before anyone could blink, his sword sliced through the strawberry, leaving it in two perfect halves.
Malcom's astonishment knew no bounds as he rushed towards the severed fruit lying on the ground. With wide-eyed amazement, he exclaimed, "You sliced it into two perfect halves, Lord Minato! That was incredible!"
Intrigued, Malcom gingerly picked up the two halves of the strawberry and hesitantly brought them together. To his utter shock, they seamlessly fit back together, showing no signs of being sliced. A mixture of disbelief and wonder filled the young apprentice.
"You are truly a master of the blade," Malcom marveled. "I have never seen such skill and precision!"
In the tranquil setting of their training ground, Lord Minato opened his eyes, concluding the demonstration with an intriguing revelation for young Malcom. "This, my dear apprentice, is the first technique known as "Scent Breathing'," he declared with a composed demeanor.
Lord Minato proceeded to explain the essence of this unique technique to Malcom. To illustrate his point, he posed a thought-provoking question. "Consider a blind person, navigating through the world without the gift of eyesight. What helps them differentiate the people and objects around them?" he asked, awaiting Malcom's response.
Confused, Malcom tentatively replied, "I believe they use a stick to feel their way."
Lord Minato shook his head with a gentle smile and remarked, "Ah, my young apprentice, you must engage your mind more actively. The blind rely on their sense of smell to distinguish the world around them."
The realization dawned upon Malcom, and he nodded attentively, eager to understand further. Lord Minato continued, "Every entity in this world possesses a distinct scent. By closing your eyes and focusing your mind, you can perceive the unique aroma of each object. With practice, this keen sense of smell can reveal paths and lead you to specific individuals solely through their scent."
As Malcom absorbed this profound lesson, Lord Minato also emphasized the disadvantages of this technique. "However," he cautioned, "relying solely on scent can be a disadvantage if one lacks a strong sense of smell or proper training. In crowded environments, scents may intertwine, making it difficult for an individual with closed eyes to identify a specific target."
Perplexed, Malcom inquired, "Why is that so, Lord Minato?"
With patience, Lord Minato explained, "When multiple scents mix together, they become indistinguishable, just like different colors blending to create a new shade. Without a keen nose or specialized training, it becomes challenging to isolate the desired scent amidst the chaos."
"But how can one overcome this limitation?" Malcom asked with genuine curiosity.
"Training, my young apprentice, is the key," Lord Minato replied. "With practice, you can refine your sense of smell and attune it to recognize specific scents even in a crowd. It's a double-edged sword—a disadvantage without proper training, but the best technique for every skilled swordsman with a sharp nose and proper guidance."
Intrigued by the possibilities, Malcom sought to understand how this technique could be applied in the heat of battle. "How will it help in a battlefield?" he asked Lord Minato.
Lord Minato smiled enigmatically, "It is not my role to provide all the answers. Part of your growth as a swordsman lies in discovering how to utilize these techniques on your own. As you gain experience and train diligently, you will uncover the ways to employ ' Scent Breathing' to your advantage in various situations."
With this inspiring lesson, Malcom understood the profound significance of 'Scent Breathing.' It was not merely a skill for detecting targets but a profound connection to the world and a testament to the harmony of all senses in the art of swordsmanship.
And so, the young apprentice embraced this valuable lesson, eagerly looking forward to the challenges that lay ahead, knowing that with proper training, dedication, and a keen sense of smell, 'Scent Breathing' could become his most potent weapon in the pursuit of mastery.
As the training session continued, Lord Minato instructed Malcom to step back, creating a safe distance as he prepared to demonstrate the second technique. With unwavering focus, Lord Minato picked up a gleaming sword, a symbol of his skill and mastery.
This time, he selected a grape from the bag, no longer relying on the sense of smell as before. Instead, he gently touched the fruit with the tip of his sword and sent it soaring into the air with a subtle flick of his wrist. Unlike the swift slice demonstrated earlier, Lord Minato now assumed a poised stance, holding the katana with both hands, prepared for the grape's descent.
As the grape descended, closing in on Lord Minato, time seemed to slow down. With a profound sense of calm and mastery, he waited for the precise moment. The grape came into close contact with him, and in one fluid motion, he swung his katana with unparalleled grace, slicing through the grape with an astonishing precision.
Malcom couldn't help but marvel at the sight. He approached the sliced grape with skepticism, almost expecting it to be an illusion. However, to his amazement, as he brought the two halves together, they fit seamlessly again, leaving no trace of being sliced.
"Lord Minato, that was incredible!" Malcom exclaimed, his eyes wide with wonder.
Lord Minato opened his eyes, revealing a fierce gaze that piqued Malcom's curiosity. With a sense of intrigue, Lord Minato proclaimed, "This is the second technique, called Third Eye."
Perplexed, Malcom questioned, "Third Eye? Isn't that the eye on the forehead?"
Lord Minato nodded, "You're close, but with this technique, the third eye becomes your sword."
Shocked by this revelation, Malcom asked, "The sword? How is that possible?"
With a knowing smile, Lord Minato explained, "By touching the sword to a target multiple times, the sword's vision becomes attuned to it. It's like borrowing the swords perspective for a brief moment."
"But how can a sword have vision?" Malcom asked, still trying to comprehend the concept.
"Indeed, a sword doesn't literally have eyes," Lord Minato clarified, "but it possesses a limited perception around the wielder. When I touched the grape earlier, I reacted slightly later to cut it because the sword provided me with information from its surroundings."
Lord Minato cautioned, "However, this move is dangerous for the wielder, as it demands precision and quick reflexes. The sword's vision can only sense what's around you, and it's not accurate for determining the target's exact location."
Malcom's expression turned concerned, "Isn't that risky? What if the sword doesn't work or doesn't lend its vision?"
Lord Minato nodded, acknowledging the risk, "You're right; it's a risky move. If the sword doesn't cooperate, you could find yourself in a vulnerable position. The key is to act swiftly and decisively, relying on your instincts to evade or counter the target's attack."
He continued, "When an opponent gets in close range, the sword detects their direction, and within an instant, you must move to dodge their attack and counter with a fatal blow. It requires mastery and quick thinking."
Malcom listened intently, absorbing the details. "But what if the wielder isn't fast enough or hasn't mastered it?" he asked.
"Then, unfortunately, they may face grave consequences," Lord Minato replied gravely. "This technique demands practice, discipline, and a deep connection with your weapon. Only by mastering it can you truly enhance your field of vision and increase your chances of success."
Lord Minato reassured Malcom, "Do not be disheartened, my young apprentice. With dedication and hard work, you can develop the skills needed to wield this technique effectively."
Curiosity burning in his eyes, Malcom couldn't help but inquire, "Lord Minato, how far can I increase my sword's vision?"
With a knowing look, Lord Minato replied, "Every swordsman can only extend their sword's vision up to two feet away. That is the limit that everyone has reached."
Shocked and with a hint of fear in his voice, Malcom exclaimed, "Only two feet away? But that seems so limited!"
Lord Minato couldn't help but laugh at Malcom's reaction, his eyes gleaming with a mixture of amusement and seriousness. "Why are you always so scared?" he said, trying to ease Malcom's apprehension. "Remember, this technique grants you the power to deliver a fatal blow to your target, ending the fight swiftly."
However, the laughter faded, and Lord Minato's demeanor turned solemn as he added, "But you must understand that using this technique is like using yourself as bait. It can either lead to the death of the wielder or ensure the death of the target."
In a frightened tone, Malcom replied, "I would never use such a dangerous technique that puts my life at risk. Never."
Lord Minato asked, "Why do you fear death so much, my young apprentice?"
In a trembling voice, Malcom confessed, "I don't want to die. I have so much life ahead of me. I haven't even found the perfect girl yet."
Lord Minato burst into laughter, but it was short-lived. With a somber expression, he said, "Malcom, you must understand that death is a part of life. Everyone dies eventually, and when your time comes, there is nothing you can do to prevent it. No one can escape fate, not even the most skilled swordsman."
This revelation left Malcom in a moment of sadness, contemplating the impermanence of life. But Lord Minato swiftly changed the mood, offering a warm smile. "That's why it's essential to live life to the fullest," he said, his eyes filled with wisdom.
"Embrace your training, pursue your dreams, and cherish each moment. Life is precious, and every day is an opportunity to grow, learn, and make a difference," Lord Minato continued. "Don't let the fear of death hold you back. Instead, let it serve as a reminder to live courageously and passionately."
Malcom took a deep breath, absorbing Lord Minato's words. He realized that life was indeed a fleeting gift, and he must make the most of it.
With determination in his eyes, Malcom stood ready for the training ahead. Lord Minato, the master swordsman, urged them to begin without delay. However, Malcom suggested starting the training in the morning, to which Lord Minato firmly responded, "We will not leave here until you master these two techniques."
Exclaiming in disbelief, Malcom protested, "No! It will take forever!"
But Lord Minato knew the importance of dedication and perseverance in becoming a skilled swordsman. He warned Malcom not to slack off in his training if he truly desired to win the upcoming tournament. "These techniques," Lord Minato reassured him, "are the easiest to learn within our family's clan. But that doesn't mean they are simple. Mastery requires commitment and practice."
He explained that while one could learn the techniques through verbal instructions alone, it came with a significant disadvantage. "Without proper training," Lord Minato cautioned, "you may not fully grasp the intricacies, leaving you vulnerable in battle."
Malcom nodded, understanding the importance of hands-on practice. He knew he needed to invest the time and effort to gain at least a little mastery. Taking a deep breath, he declared, "I am ready."
With a satisfied smile, Lord Minato acknowledged Malcom's determination. "Good," he said. "Let us begin."
As the night wore on, Malcom and Lord Minato immersed themselves in rigorous training, determined to master the two techniques. Darkness enveloped the training ground, but their unwavering dedication kept them going.
However, Lord Minato sensed the need for a break and suggested that they take a moment to replenish their energy. "Stay right here, Malcom," he said, "I'll fetch some food for both of us."
Concerned for his well-being, Malcom offered to accompany Lord Minato, but the master swordsman reassured him, "I'm very fast on my feet, remember? I'll be back soon."
Left alone in the dark, Malcom continued his training, eager to show Lord Minato his progress upon his return. He focused on perfecting his techniques, determined to impress his mentor with his newfound skills.
Amidst his training, a sudden cry for help pierced the night air. "Ahhh! Help me!" a girl's voice echoed from a nearby village, filled with fear and terror.
Malcom's heart raced as he heard the distressing call. He was torn between his training and the immediate need for assistance. Instinct took over, and without hesitation, he made a decision.
Ignoring his mentor's advice and the potential consequences, Malcom rushed down the mountain towards the source of the cry. His mind was focused on one thing—helping the girl in distress.