This village was meant to be a brief stop on my path, a stop to get information on the men I seek. It seems, fate had other plans. To think I would find a swordmaster willing to train me in the next level of swordsmanship.
"Disciple, eh?" I muttered, with a nonchalant shrug, "Sure, Why not?"
It was during this brief exchange, I learned the man's name—Jin Hanzo. The name "Hanzo" sounded oddly familiar, but I pushed the thought aside. When I gave him my name, his demeanor shifted,he acted as if he stood before some great lord. Indeed it is true, the Ryoma clan was once a force to be reckoned with. But how could those men have overwhelmed our entire clan so quickly?
Even more daunting, one of those men bested my father—the famed "Ascended Samurai." They say he could decimate thirty-five men with a single slash. How could they have taken him down?
"Now then, Hatori Ryoma," Jin spoke, his tone respectful, "This man here is Li Sakai, a noble of the Sakai clan, and a formidable warrior in his own right."
The Sakai clan—one of the most esteemed lineages within all of Tenshima. They stand among the top of nobility. I looked upon this Li Sakai. He returned the look, and for a moment, neither of us spoke a word of greeting. I looked back at Jin, who laughed heartily.
"Hatori, Li and I travel together," Jin explained.
Curiosity chewed at me. "Jin Hanzo," I asked, "you said my swordsmanship lacks something. What is it?"
Jin's expression shifted to feigned ignorance before his aura changed. I felt a powerful presence emanate from him, just like the one before.
"Patience, boy. What you seek is not learned in a night's training. First, we must strengthen your body. Only when it's ready, physically and mentally, will you grasp what I have to teach." His smirk was sly, confident as he allowed his energy to subside.
Who really is Jin? What is his story? a man I just met in a tavern to take me as a disciple after only a single encounter—it raises questions. What does he see in me? Does he know something I don't?
Yet, despite these questions, I cannot ignore the opportunity to grow stronger. I must move closer to my goal, at all cost.
Three weeks have passed, and Jin has driven my body to the edge with relentless training. It is more grueling than anything I endured under my father's training. I will admit—my muscles are now honed, my body more defined and powerful than ever before.
"Hey, brat. Ready to know the reason behind all this training?" Jin asked, a proud smirk on his face. He mentioned that my progress is extraordinary, and I can feel it too. I'm faster, stronger, and more agile than I've ever been before.
Jin has taught me many things, but most among them is the nature of the power known as "Kenki." It is something I have not heard of, though it is well-known among samurai.
Kenki—"Samurai Spirit Force." It is the embodiment of one's willpower, spirit, and mastery over the sword. Unlike Qi, which martial artists use, Kenki is intertwined only with one's discipline, spirit, and the essence of their blade. As the body and mind grow stronger, so does one's Kenki.
Kenki is divided into three stages:
1. Spirit Kenki: The essence of sheer willpower. This form allows one to emanate a presence so powerful it can paralyze or instill fear in opponents without a single strike. However, those with equally strong will may resist its effect. It is often known as "killing intent."
2. Saint Kenki: The refinement of one's spirit into physical form, enhancing the sword's edge, speed, and power. A master of Saint Kenki can cleave the very air, cutting objects through sheer spiritual force. This is how Jin deflected my attack during our first encounter.
3. Self-Controlled Kenki: The rarest and most difficult to attain. Only a handful of samurai have ever achieved this level. It grants full mastery over one's body and senses, allowing one to hide their presence entirely or amplify their senses beyond human limits. Achieving this requires complete control over mind, emotion, and spirit.
To awaken the Kenki inside me, I must meditate and fortify my mind. As I follow Jin's instructions, I slip into a deep focus. But in the silence, an oddly familiar voice reaches out to me.
Suddenly, I find myself in a dark room filled with chains, torture tools, and countless books. Before me stands a man I recognized instantly, Hiroshi Ryoma, my father. His presence is unchanged; his eyes still sharp, his voice unwavering.
"Hatori, my son" he began talking, "it seems you have started learning Kenki. Listen well, I will reveal the enemies I have faced. I predicted such incident and left part of my spiritual energy inside you to convey this message."
"The ones who struck us down are not mere bandits, nor are they your typical samurai. They are members of an dark organization known as the 'Reapers of the Shadow. Ronin who turned to crime after losing their lords."
"Hatori, my time is short. Do not face them head-on—you aren't ready yet. Instead, strengthen your power, achieve self-control, as that is something I could never grasp myself. Beware, Hatori. I have imbued our family's relic within you. Only when you reach advanced Saint Kenki will its power awaken inside you, a force unmatched in all of Tenshima."
"You, my son, shall inherit the will of the 'Ryoma Fury.' This is what made our clan the mightiest in the land. Good luck on your path to greatness, Hatori."