It had been a couple of days since Nao became a member of the kyudo club, and even though some time had passed, she still struggled to grasp the fundamentals, let alone hit a bullseye.
On an early Saturday morning, Nao found herself inside the kyudojo, it was a quiet space, left entirely to herself.
"Phew, I'm relieved that today isn't an art club day," she mumbled, her ragged breathing evident as her voice resonated within the wooden expanse.
What should I do?
I've been practicing, but I can't seem to get it right!
She sulked, her frustration evident as she held up her bow. Its wooden surface felt rough and heavy in her hand, finely crafted to suit the level of a novice. Meanwhile, her fingers were covered with calluses and bandages.
She stared at the distant target, a target that had been eluding her attempts at mastery. Her eyes squinted, narrowing her focus on the small, elusive bullseye.
"I won't give up," she whispered under her breath, filled with determination, a spark of resilience in her eyes.
Nao understood that every missed shot, every aching finger, and every drop of sweat was a step forward, a testament to her unwavering commitment to the art. She took a deep breath, letting the serenity of the kyudojo surround her. With her bow drawn and her arrow ready, she released, the soft twang of the string filling the space.
The arrow flew through the air, and for a brief moment, time seemed to stand still. Lost in focus, Nao watched as it hit the target, not the bullseye, but it finally hit it. A sense of accomplishment and progress washed over her.
Did I see that right...?
I hit the target!?
"Yosh!! I did it!! " She exclaimed, her eyes wide with surprise and fulfillment. She couldn't contain her excitement, and in her joy, she started jumping up and down, she must have looked like a weirdo.
Amidst her excitement, she fails to notice the presence of another in the room.
"Nice shot," a familiar voice chimed, his words breaking her concentration and surprising her.
Nao, still bouncing with exhilaration, spun around to face the source of the voice that had startled her. Her gaze landed on Yuto, a young man standing a few meters away. He wore the kyudo uniform, his dark hair neatly tied back, and a calm, composed expression on his face.
"Oh, um, thank you," Nao stammered, her heart still racing from her recent accomplishment.
"I'm sorry for not noticing you earlier, Minamoto-kun. I was just so caught up in... hitting the target." She said, clasping her hands together.
Yuto approached her with a friendly smile. "It's fine, more importantly, I didn't think you'd be here this early. How are you feeling, Nao-san? " He asked.
"Great, I feel alive! That was my first shot that landed the target, Minamoto-kun! "
"Though I'm a little tired... and I've been struggling. " She added, glancing the other way as she scratched her cheeks.
Yuto's expression turned reassuring.
"It's completely normal to face challenges when you're just starting. Kyudo takes time and practice to master, but you're on the right track. That was a good shot."
Nao felt a surge of confidence as Yuto's words filled her with encouragement.
"Thanks, Minamoto-kun. I'm determined to improve and become a skilled kyudo practitioner like you. Can I see your training? "
Yuto nodded in agreement, and with a graceful motion, he picked up his bow and arrow. As he prepared to take his shot, Nao watched in awe. His every move was precise and controlled, a testament to his experience in kyudo.
He drew the bowstring with a fluid motion, his body aligned perfectly. The arrow soared through the air, hitting the target with ease and remarkable accuracy, right in the bullseye. Nao was mesmerized by his skill and grace.
"That's incredible, Minamoto-kun! " she exclaimed, her eyes wide with admiration.
Yuto smiled modestly. "Years of practice, Nao-san. It's not about raw talent; it's about dedication and discipline. Anyone can achieve this level with the right mindset and effort." He remarked.
Nao was inspired by Yuto's words and his incredible display of skill. She knew that she had a long journey ahead of her, but she was determined to improve.
"Would you mind giving me some pointers?" Nao asked.
"I want to improve, and I believe you're the best person to learn from."
Yuto's eyes sparkled with enthusiasm.
"Of course, Nao-san. I'd be happy to help you. Let's start with the basics and work our way up. With patience and practice, you'll see significant progress."
As they began their training together, Nao felt a sense of purpose and excitement. She had not only hit her first target but had also found a mentor in Yuto. With his guidance, she knew that her journey in Kyudo would be filled with challenges, but she was ready to face them head-on. And so, in the quiet kyudojo on that early Saturday morning, Nao's determination grew stronger, and her bond with Yuto deepened as they embarked on a shared path of growth and mastery in the art of archery.