Gathering Forces
As Larry finished recounting Jeremy Blackwood's story, the atmosphere in the room shifted from awe to anticipation.
Kai and Zach exchanged excited glances, sensing the impending adventure.
Larry's expression turned serious. "There's something else. Benjamin, my old teammate, will be bringing his son Theo to join our team."
Kai's eyes widened. "The Tournament of Power is near, isn't it?"
Larry nodded. "Yes. Get prepared, because the competition will be fierce."
Zach's face lit up. "I've heard rumors about the tournament. The strongest teams from across the realm will be participating."
Larry's gaze shifted to his nephew, Ace. "Are your friends joining us?"
Ace nodded confidently. "Yeah, they should arrive within a couple of days."
Larry smiled. "Good. Our team's strength will increase significantly with their addition."
He stood, addressing the group. "Continue training, everyone. We must be ready for the challenges ahead."
Kai and Zach nodded, determination etched on their faces.
As the group dispersed, the air hummed with anticipation. The Tournament of Power loomed, promising battles, alliances, and revelations.
In the shadows, whispers spread: "The Lazy Sword Master's legacy will rise again.
Jeremy Blackwood, the Lazy Sword Master, lounged on a tree branch, his tranquil snores blending with the rustling leaves. The warm sun cast a gentle glow, soothing his slumber.
Suddenly, the tree trunk shattered, sending Jeremy tumbling to the ground. He landed with a thud, his face planted in the dirt.
Groggily, Jeremy opened his eyes to find Akane Kyoketsu looming over him, her sword still vibrating from the strike.
"Couldn't you have woken me up gently?" Jeremy asked, rubbing his sore face.
Akane's glare intensified. "No. I hate lazy fools."
Jeremy sighed, recognizing the familiar spark in Akane's eyes. "What do you want, Akane?"
"I want to battle you," Akane declared, her voice dripping with venom. "I'm sick of being ranked fourth among the Sword Kings. They think I'm weaker than you, Ares, and Daniel."
Jeremy yawned, feigning nonchalance. "Okay, you're stronger than me. Does that make you happy?"
Akane's response was a furious growl. "No! Not until I kill you can I be happy!"
She took a step closer, her sword at the ready. "Take out your sword and let's have fun."
Jeremy's expression transformed from carefree to menacing. His eyes locked onto Akane's, and he rose to his feet.
Akane sensed the sudden shift in Jeremy's aura, her excitement growing. She reveled in the prospect of a battle to the death.
You're at it again, Akane, Jeremy thought, his gaze never leaving hers. That crazed look in your eyes... You're happiest when fighting, aren't you?
But when he reached for his sword, his hand closed on... nothing.
Jeremy's brow furrowed. "That's odd."
Akane's confusion mirrored his. "Where's your sword?"
Jeremy shrugged. "I could've sworn I had it..."
The Mischief Katana, his trusty companion, was nowhere to be seen.
Akane's impatience grew. "This is ridiculous. Produce your sword, Lazy Sword Master!"
Jeremy's gaze scanned the surroundings, his mind racing. Without his sword, he was at a disadvantage.
"What's going on?" Jeremy muttered to himself.
Akane's sword flashed in the sunlight, poised to strike.
Akane's patience wore thin. "Stop playing around and take out your sword!"
Jeremy sweated, his eyes darting around. "I-I can't take out my sword if I don't have it."
Akane's voice turned venomous. "How can a swordsmen misplace their sword? You're a disgrace!"
Jeremy shrugged, defending himself. "It's not my fault. You know my Mischief Katana is one of the legendary weapons. It has its own personality... and quirks."
Akane's confusion deepened. "Quirks?"
Jeremy sighed. "It likes to disappear from time to time. I swear, it's got a mind of its own."
Akane looked dumbfounded. "So why don't you just use another sword?"
Jeremy chuckled wryly. "I've tried. Every time I pick up another sword, Mischief destroys it. It's jealous, and then it gets mad for a while and won't let me pull it out."
Akane's eyes widened. "You're telling me your sword is sentient... and possessive?"
Jeremy nodded. "That's right. Mischief's got character, all right."
Akane shook her head, incredulous. "I've never heard of such nonsense."
Jeremy spread his hands. "Blame Alexander Arkhenius, the craftsman who made it. He infused Mischief with a bit too much personality."
Akane's frustration boiled over. "Fine! Stay swordless, Lazy Sword Master! I'll enjoy watching you beg for mercy!"
Jeremy's grin returned, laced with mischief. "Oh, I'm shaking in my boots."
The air crackled with tension as Akane charged, her sword flashing in the sunlight.
Jeremy stood firm, unarmed but unafraid.
Just as Akane's sword was about to strike, it halted mid-air, as if halted by an unseen force. Akane stepped back, her eyes narrowing.
And then, a spark of memory ignited in her gaze. "Oh yeah... Your sword intent is called Improvisation, isn't it?"
Jeremy smiled, a mischievous glint in his eye. "Yeah."
With a fluid motion, he plucked a sturdy tree branch from the nearby foliage and grasped it like a sword.
Akane's excitement grew. "So you think that tree branch can take my sword strike?"
Her voice dripped with menace. "You must not know my title: Kyoketsu, the Sword Goddess of Annihilation."
Jeremy's grin faltered, sweat beading on his brow. He knew Akane's reputation; her sword strikes could cleave mountains.
Akane's enthusiasm turned frenzied. "I can't wait to cut your head off!"
Jeremy's thoughts raced. Mischief Katana, where are you? Please come back soon!
He knew his Improvisation skills were exceptional, but facing Akane's legendary swordsmanship with only a tree branch?
Jeremy's mental plea intensified. Mischief, please! Don't leave me hanging!
The tree branch trembled in his grasp, inadequate against Akane's razor-sharp blade.
Akane charged, her sword flashing with deadly intent.
Jeremy steeled himself, praying for a miracle – or Mischief's timely return.
Jeremy anticipated Mischief's return, but it didn't come. With a deep breath, he steeled himself to face Akane's attack.
The sword strike crashed onto the tree branch, unleashing a massive impact that ravaged the surrounding area. Trees splintered, and rocks shattered.
Akane surveyed the destruction, a smile spreading across her face. "I'm surprised that tree branch took my sword strike."
Jeremy's right arm throbbed, bruised but still functional.
Akane assumed her stance, ready to strike again. "I wonder how much more it can take."
Jeremy's thoughts racing, he knew he couldn't endure multiple strikes. Time to switch tactics.
"I need to go on offense," Jeremy thought, gritting his teeth.
With a swift motion, Jeremy unleashed slashing energy waves at Akane. However, they dissipated harmlessly against her.
Akane laughed, unfazed. "Is that all?"
Jeremy's gaze locked onto hers. "You're using your aura to protect your body."
Akane's smile grew.
"Damm it," Jeremy muttered, realizing his energy waves were ineffective.
He needed a real weapon.
Jeremy pulled out a knife, gripping it like a sword.
Akane's eyes sparkled. "Oh, it seems you're taking me seriously now."
Her grin widened. "It's time to fight. Now."
The air thickened with anticipation as Jeremy and Akane faced off, their determination palpable.
"To be continued..."