"Daisuke," Hōkai greeted him with a nod as Daisuke entered his home, his expression serious yet welcoming.
"Hōkai," Daisuke replied, returning the nod as he approached him. "I need to talk to you about my training."
Hōkai raised an eyebrow, his interest piqued. "Go on," he encouraged, gesturing for Daisuke to continue.
"I feel like I've reached a plateau," Daisuke admitted, his tone earnest. "I need to push myself further, to unlock my full potential as a Samurai."
Hōkai regarded Daisuke thoughtfully, his gaze penetrating yet compassionate. "I understand," he replied, his voice quiet, filled with determination. "But unlocking your full potential will not be easy. It will require dedication, discipline, and sacrifice. Far beyond what you think you've sacrificed so far."
Daisuke nodded, his resolve firm. "I'm willing to do whatever it takes," he declared, his voice filled with determination.
"Good," Hōkai said with a nod of approval. His lips quirked in a small smile. "Very well, then let us discuss what we can do moving fowards."
As they settled into conversation, Daisuke and Hōkai delved into the depths of ancient Samurai lore, exploring techniques that pushed the boundaries of human endurance and resilience.
"One method is known as 'Metsubushi,'" Hōkai explained, his voice grave. "It involves training the body to withstand extreme pain and discomfort, allowing the Samurai to push past their physical limits."
Daisuke nodded, his interest piqued. "Haven't we done something like that before?"
Hōkai's expression turned serious. "The Samurai must subject themselves to intense physical pain, such as standing under freezing water for extended periods or enduring hours of meditation in uncomfortable positions."
Daisuke's eyebrows shot up. "That sounds... familiar. Hōkai, with all due respect, I've done these things already."
Hōkai nodded. "Indeed, but it is through such extreme measures that one can truly unlock the full potential of their body and mind."
They continued their discussion, exploring other techniques such as 'Shugyō,' a form of solitary training that involved weeks or even months of isolation in the wilderness, and 'Tanren,' a method of strengthening the body through repetitive and grueling physical exercises.
"In order for you to progress," Hōkai continued, "you must endure these things simultaneously."
As they spoke, Daisuke felt a sense of both trepidation and excitement coursing through him. The prospect of undergoing such extreme training was daunting, but he knew that it was the only way to achieve his goal of becoming the greatest Samurai the world had ever known.
And as he listened to Hōkai's wise counsel, he felt a renewed sense of determination burning within him. He was ready to embark on this journey of self-discovery, ready to push himself to the very limits of his endurance in pursuit of greatness.
Daisuke knew that only through hardship and sacrifice could he truly unlock the full potential that lay dormant within him. And with Hōkai's guidance, he was ready to face whatever challenges lay ahead, ready to become the Samurai he was always meant to be.
"I can't let him win, Hōkai. Not after everything that has happened. I won't sit around to see Sakutarō be killed at the hands of these traitors."
"How is Sakutarō going to be trained?"
"I'm not sure. Can't you train both of us?"
"Makoto has been in search of Samurai from other villages. Primarily, students of the Deadly Seven. Initially, they were to train with you. But, I have other ideas for you. I will let them train with Sakutarō."
"Where am I going to train?"
Hōkai smiled and sat forwards in his chair.
"In the cave." Hōkai said.
"What do you mean in the cave?"
"I'm going to send you into the other realm. But, you're not in search of a summon. You're going to kill every single creature in there. If you return to your body before you've met that objective... it's over."
"How am I expected to kill everything in there?!"
"They're dreams that have gained souls. You aren't killing anything within reality. You need to be able to think and fight in extreme conditions."
"So... you want to go in there and kill Dragons, Basilisk's, Chimera's... I mean... do you know how long that will take?"
"Two years."
"Huh?!" Daisuke blurted.
"I'm giving you two years. Which is equivalent to four years in there."
"And how will I eat?"
"I will hire someone to take care of your diet and hygiene. Although, I will let you starve on occasions."
"Okay."
"Don't worry, I will visit you often to make sure everything is safe. I will have my son guard you, even though your body will be hidden."
Daisuke was motionless as he pondered.
"Who are you afraid of, Daisuke?"
"His name's Raidon. I first met him at the cave."
"Well... if he comes again while we are there, I will inform him of what we are doing. We have no secrets."
Daisuke nodded, and took his leave. Having realised he was to meet Kotoba to train, he made his way to their usual meeting spot. On his way, having found out he also trained with Raidon, was unsure as to whether or not he knew of Raidon's true intentions.
As Daisuke got nearer, he could see Kotoba sitting down. He was alone. He pulled his horse beside him and jumped off.
"Kotoba --"
Before Daisuke could start speaking, Kotoba held out a note. It read:
I have been training with someone called Mizu. However, I haven't seen him for a few days and I have nowhere to go.
Daisuke was confused. Kotoba referred to his other trainer as Mizu, meaning that either Kotoba or himself had been told a false name. He was still unsure as to whether or not this was a trap. Without further hesitation, Daisuke withdrew his Katana, swinging it at Kotoba's neck. As the blade reached his neck, Daisuke stopped.
"No one stopped me..." Daisuke thought. If this was indeed a trap, the whole idea would be for Daisuke to take Kotoba in; with the intention of Kotoba working from the inside. However, a dead Kotoba would be useless.
Since no one came to stop him being killed, Daisuke decided to take him in. He lowered his Katana and told Kotoba to get on the front of the horse. Leaving him with Makoto would be the safest option, as it would be near impossible for Kotoba to rely information back to Raidon if he really was an informer.
"You're going to stay with the leader of our Village. Makoto. There you will train with my student, Sakutarō."