A week after finding a suitable location to open a personal dojo so that Devon wouldn't have to go to Dash's house every day and could be closer to her home, the designs for the two uniforms had been decided.
"Shall we call ourselves Sakura Kai or Sakura Bushido?" Devon and Dash sat in a secluded office within the general dojo, debating which name for the place they should choose.
Knowing that dojos from all over the Valley would be invited to the Karate competition, and not wanting to join one that could limit their Kung Fu training, Dash had concluded to create a unique place to share his vision of martial arts.
For the new dojo's story, Dash had chosen the Sakura tree because it was the last thing he could see before dying and also had a beautiful meaning.
"First, we have to choose the name; either one is fine..."
"Then, if both are fine, let's go with Sakura Bushido." Devon, who had been silent, chose the name. She liked how it sounded, and besides, the meaning behind the name was what made it more incredible.
For this dojo, "Sakura" symbolizes life and death as well as beauty and violence. As for Bushido, that is the code of moral principles taught to knights in ancient Japan. This code is not based on any character, no matter how renowned, nor any human individuality, no matter how brilliant.
For ancient samurais, the cherry blossom symbolized blood but also the fragility and transience of life, associated with the sacrifice and life of the samurais.
In that sense, belonging to this dojo must be something much deeper than choices that can be taken lightly but rather something that becomes a way of life from that moment on.
When they chose the name, Dash sent it to his father, and after that, they started looking at the logo they would use for this place. Before anything else, they had to choose the logo so that it could be printed on the respective two uniforms they would use.
"We'll have two types of uniforms, one for karate and the other for Kung Fu, so I suggest we choose these two." Devon pointed to the computer screen with two logos that she liked. Whichever was chosen for each uniform would be perfect for them.
Dash nodded upon seeing the logos, which were similar but defined by color, and seeing the Sakura tree in the center of the logos, he felt they were suitable for their uniforms.
"Now what?"
"What do you mean?"
Devon pointed to the vast space and asked, "Aren't you thinking of just the two of us training in this place forever, right?"
"Of course not. We'll promote ourselves when we win championships in both Kung Fu and Karate." A confident look appeared on Dash's face, expressing his absolute certainty that they might become great in the future.
Upon hearing this, Devon knew it made sense, so she said nothing more. It was true that the ideal plan was to open their doors once they were promoted in the Karate competition happening in a few months.
"We have to consider that the dojo's design won't be as it is now. Although we train here, the workers will remodel this entire place and also plant a Sakura tree in the backyard."
"Hey, doesn't your father mind spending so much money on this place? What if everything goes wrong? How will you manage then?" Devon also wanted to pay for her classes, but Dash, being a good friend, told her that she would be a partner in this dojo instead of a student, and there was nothing to worry about.
She doesn't know how much has been spent on this place, but the money dedicated to remodeling, uniforms, training tools, and more are very costly. The fact that Dash's dad supports his idea is one thing, but paying for all of this is something she doesn't understand.
"Well, my father sees this as a business that could grow, so he gave me a loan that I'll pay back in the future." Dash explained the deal his father had made with him to support him in this place.
Devon frowned, didn't want to dwell on the details, and asked, "So, what if this place fails?"
"My father said he'd kick me out of the house once I turn eighteen. It's not a big deal when you think about it that way." Dash stood up and began cleaning the spacious office.
"We'll place some computers in this place; we may not be quantity, but we'll certainly stand out in the quality of our arts."
Devon's eyes stared at Dash, who had just told her his brilliant deal, and by the way he said it, she was sure that he would be kicked out of the house if this place wasn't successful.
Dash, on the other hand, opened a box of chocolates and began posing in front of a huge mirror. His body had grown a lot from training, so he started looking at Devon with proud eyes.
"I'll grow too, just a bit slower..." Devon knew exactly the implications of Dash, who said everything with his gaze.
"I really don't mind if you don't grow; I'll always be by your side like an unmovable pine tree." Dash handed the box of chocolates to Devon and changed the subject, "By the way, when's your birthday?"
"Have you forgotten?"
"Just to remind..." Dash felt a chill run down his spine and sat in front of Devon.
"Relax, I don't bite..."
"I know, even though you're aggressive, you're not brutal. That means no matter how bad you can get, you wouldn't hurt me."
Plop!
Dash, who was smiling amusingly, was hit with a chocolate on the head. The impact sounded hollow, making him turn his head toward Devon.
"Do you want me to teach you some jiu-jitsu moves?"
"I can do that, not without receiving a few kicks from your amazing partner first..." Devon ate a chocolate and awaited Dash's move.
"Well, I was a bit bored just now..." Dash jumped off his chair and slid across the desk in front of him, catching Devon's clothes easily. Dash exerted force with both hands trying to pull Devon toward him, but she put her knee on his chest, preventing him from getting closer, and grinned mischievously.
"It seems you don't have any moves..."
"And you ran out of legs..."