The sun hung low in the sky, casting long shadows across the training grounds as Daisuke and Tōsō faced each other, their swords drawn and poised for battle. The air crackled with tension as they circled each other, the weight of their shared history heavy between them. As Daisuke passed by Makoto, he took the blindfold and placed it over his eyes.
Memories of their youth flooded Daisuke's mind as he continued to circle with his teenage rival. He remembered the countless sparring sessions they had shared as young inspiring Samurai, their laughter bombarding through the village as they honed their skills together. But those days were long gone, only having sparked their long lost rivalry now after a bitter resentment born of what Daisuke saw as betrayal.
With a sharp exhale, Tōsō launched himself forward, his sword slicing through the air with deadly precision. Daisuke met his attack head-on, his own blade flashing in a blur of motion as he deflected Tōsō's strikes with practiced ease.
As they clashed, each movement was a dance of steel and shadow—a symphony of flashing blades and calculated strikes. Tōsō's mind raced as he sought to anticipate Daisuke's next move, his muscles coiling with tension as he fought to gain the upper hand.
But Daisuke, as expected, was a formidable opponent. His skill matched only by his unwavering determination. With a swift feint, he lured Tōsō into a trap, his blade darting forward with blinding speed as he aimed for his exposed flank.
Tōsō's heart pounded in his chest as he narrowly avoided Daisuke's strike, his breath coming in ragged gasps as he fought to regain his footing. He could feel the weight of their shared history bearing down on him, threatening to overwhelm him with the weight of past so-called betrayals and broken promises.
But as he locked eyes with Daisuke across the battlefield, a flicker of determination sparked within him. He would not let the past define him, nor would he allow it to dictate the outcome of their duel. With a renewed sense of purpose, he launched himself forward once more, his sword flashing in the fading light as he fought to reclaim his honor and Daisuke's respect.
As the clash of blades barraged through the training area, Daisuke and Tōsō fought on, their movements a testament to their shared bond and their enduring rivalry. And as they exchanged blows, memories of their youth flashed through their minds; a shared moment of camaraderie, a fierce competition between rivals.
With each strike and parry, they sought to deduce each other's fighting style, to predict their movements and anticipate their next move. As they fought, they remembered spars they had shared when they were younger, trying to strategise possible counters for whatever the other had in their arsenal.
And as the sun dipped below the horizon, casting the world in shadows, they knew that their battle was far from over—but that together, they would face whatever trials lay ahead, as brothers once more.
Sakutarō, Genji and Makoto stood in awe as they watched this incredible fight come to a close. With an upwards swing of his katana, Tōsō cut off Daisuke's blindfold.
As it fell off his face, Daisuke uttered the following words, "I'll end this now then." Daisuke brought his katana into the air, crashing it down towards Tōsō. The mere power behind the swing forced Tōsō onto his knee. Before he could react any further, Daisuke's swing was followed by a downwards kick, numbing Tōsō's arm. He attempted to grab his katana with his other hand but Daisuke knocked it out of his hand.
"I'm done. You beat me, Daisuke." Tōsō mumbled, breathless.
"You still have it in you, Tōsō."
"I could still tell you were holding back."
"Only a bit. But next time, I'm going all out."
Sakutarō and Genji walked over to Tōsō.
"You were incredible, father." Said Genji.
"Yeah, father... I didn't know you could fight like that." Added Sakutarō.
"Well... I guess that makes it 194 spars. And another loss for me." Tōsō smiled, and got up to his feet. "I'm glad I'm not your enemy."
Daisuke laughed, "Yeah, I'm glad I'm not my enemy too. How have you managed to keep your skills so fresh?"
"I still train here and there. Although, we trained so much when we were younger I don't think I'd be able to forget it."
"Yeah, the things Kodai put us through were... well some of the things he put us through, were extreme. But, you're never guaranteed to be in your comfort zone in life. So I'll always appreciate Kodai for how he trained us."
Daisuke nodded at Tōsō and the others, and started making his way back.
"Sakutarō, go inside and prepare some tea for your father. He might be aching a lot tomorrow."
Sakutarō and Genji ran inside. Makoto and Tōsō remained outside, alone.
"That must have brought back some memories?" Makoto asked with curiosity.
"It's strange. All the times he won when we were younger, they were never close. But this time... there was actually a moment where I thought I was going to overturn it and win.
"Like you said, I guess you never truly lose what you learned. And you were right, he did hold back."
"Something is on Daisuke's mind. What's making him want a sparring partner? I haven't seen a greater fighter than him."
"We came across someone who... let's just say, shocked the both of us. Even without having to use their Tokihanatsu summon, they carried out a feat I would expect most men to fail."
"Greater than Daisuke? Who?"
"A ronin. His name was Raidon."
Upon hearing the name, Tōsō froze.