Kuroshiro frowned, a bit suspicious. "Are you really sure you want to do this?" Kuroshiro's tone revealed a hint of concern. There was an uncertainty that Kuroshiro felt, even though Kuroshiro knew Aoki rarely backed down from a challenge.
"Of course, I'm absolutely sure." Aoki replied firmly, his smile never fading. The tension between them grew stronger.
Kuroshiro sighed deeply, finally giving in to Aoki's unwavering confidence. "Huhh... alright," Kuroshiro said, nodding in agreement. "Grab your sword. We're going to the forest."
Aoki cheered inwardly. "Alright!" Aoki exclaimed excitedly before running into the house to get his father's sword. Aoki's grip was steady as he grasped the hilt of the sword that had not been used for a long time, feeling the familiar weight that was also full of memories.
The two of them then headed into the forest. The fallen leaves rustled beneath their feet, and the atmosphere changed, becoming colder and quieter. Upon reaching a more open area in the middle of the forest, Aoki took a deep breath, feeling the energy of nature flowing into his body. The Sage Mode activated in an instant, and Aoki's body was surrounded by a nature aura that now appeared more pronounced.
Aoki held the hilt of the sword in his right hand and the sheath in his left. There was a calmness in his movements, a sign that Aoki was truly ready.
"Alright, then let's begin," Kuroshiro said, his voice deeper, indicating his readiness. Kuroshiro knew that Aoki was no longer the child he had trained before—his student had now developed very quickly. Without further warning, Kuroshiro moved, but before Kuroshiro could make the first attack, Aoki had already darted towards Kuroshiro with incredible speed.
Aoki started with basic attacks. Horizontal slashes, vertical thrusts—all quick and accurate. Although this was just the opening move, Aoki had forced Kuroshiro to defend seriously. However, after a few basic attacks, Aoki decided to showcase the techniques he had been training.
Taking a deep breath, Aoki began to use the Water Breathing technique that he had mastered.
"Mizu no Kokyu: Ichi no kata: Minamo Giri!" (Water Breathing: First Form: Surface Slice) Aoki shouted. In an instant, Aoki moved like flowing water, fast and gentle, yet full of hidden power.
The attack was so swift that Kuroshiro could only feel the air around him vibrate. Just before Aoki reached Kuroshiro, Aoki elegantly spun his body, swinging the sword to slash at Kuroshiro's abdomen from an unexpected angle.
However, Kuroshiro was not an ordinary fighter. In a flash, Kuroshiro jumped back, narrowly avoiding the deadly attack. Their eyes met for a moment, Aoki smiling confidently, while Kuroshiro could only snort in admiration.
"Not bad, Aoki," Kuroshiro said, standing tall. "But if you think that's enough to defeat me, you still have a lot to learn." Kuroshiro tightened his claws, preparing to counterattack.
The fight had just begun, and Kuroshiro knew this would be an extraordinary battle. But, deep down, Kuroshiro couldn't help but feel a sense of pride for his rapidly developing student.
Then the fight continued as Aoki's attack was about to hit Kuroshiro. Suddenly, thick smoke enveloped the battlefield, and Kuroshiro's body, which had previously appeared to be standing firm in front of Aoki, quickly transformed into a pile of wood. Aoki was momentarily startled, but quickly took a deep breath, refocused, and heightened his awareness of his surroundings.
"Kid, do you really intend to hurt me seriously?" Kuroshiro's voice came from behind the bushes, his tone sounding annoyed and sharp. Kuroshiro stepped out with eyes that hinted at repressed anger.
Aoki smiled faintly, as if unfazed by the situation. "No, it's just that... a little injury during practice is normal, right?" Aoki said calmly, his smile widening. Kuroshiro's expression changed, and if possible, Kuroshiro would have imaginatively spat blood out of frustration.
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