Kurogami Estate – Training Grounds
The sun had barely risen, casting a golden glow over the Kurogami estate. The training grounds were quiet, save for the rustling leaves and the distant chirping of birds. Ryuujin stood in the center, wooden sword in hand, breathing steadily.
His eyes gleamed with focus as he took his stance, the techniques he had refined playing vividly in his mind. This was it—the culmination of a month's effort.
Ryuujin: "Let's begin."
He moved swiftly, the sword slicing through the air with precision. Each strike, block, and counter flowed seamlessly into the next. His footwork was light yet stable, his posture impeccable. The techniques, once flawed and inefficient, now felt natural.
Sweat dripped from his brow, his muscles burning with effort. But he didn't stop until he executed the final move—a powerful, overhead strike that landed with a resounding thud against a practice dummy.
Breathing heavily, he lowered his sword, satisfaction washing over him.
Ryuujin (smiling faintly): "This... this is just the beginning."
He sheathed the wooden sword and made his way to a large tree at the edge of the grounds. Sitting beneath its shade, he closed his eyes, entering a meditative state.
Observing the Weaknesses
As the morning progressed, the training grounds filled with other clan members. They sparred, practiced forms, and honed their skills. Ryuujin remained under the tree, silently watching each of them. His Omni Eye activated, analyzing their movements.
Ryuujin (thinking): Their footwork is off balance... His strikes leave an opening on the left... That stance wastes too much energy.
An idea began to form in his mind.
Ryuujin (thinking): What if I could imitate their techniques? Improve them by fixing their weaknesses... make them my own.
A smirk tugged at his lips.
Nightfall Training
As the sun dipped below the horizon and the others left the grounds, Ryuujin stood once again. His body ached, but his determination burned brighter. He practiced tirelessly, perfecting each technique he observed. His wooden sword cut through the darkness, each movement deliberate and precise.
Unbeknownst to him, a figure watched from the shadows. A woman, cloaked in black, stood silently, observing his progress. Her gaze was sharp, yet intrigued.
Woman (thinking): So, the "weakling" isn't so weak after all.
The Challenge
The following morning, Ryuujin began challenging the trainees from the branch families. One by one, they fell to his refined techniques. Each victory fueled his confidence, his movements becoming sharper and more fluid with every duel.
The training grounds buzzed with whispers.
Clansman 1: "He's... winning again?"
Clansman 2: "How is he doing this? He was useless a month ago!"
But Ryuujin paid them no mind. His focus was absolute.
The Mysterious Woman
Later that day, as Ryuujin practiced alone, the woman who had been watching him approached. Her presence was commanding, her aura sharp and disciplined.
Woman: "You're Ryuujin, aren't you?"
Ryuujin turned, eyes narrowing slightly.
Ryuujin: "Who's asking?"
Woman: "I'm Tsukiya. One of the trainers here, and a direct subordinate to Elder Kurogami."
Her gaze was intense, assessing him.
Tsukiya: "You've improved. But are you ready to face someone truly skilled?"
Ryuujin's lips curled into a smirk.
Ryuujin: "Let's find out."
The Duel
They squared off in the center of the training grounds. Tsukiya's stance was flawless, her movements fluid. The duel began, and she attacked with speed and precision.
Ryuujin blocked and countered, but her strikes were relentless. She forced him back, each hit testing his limits. Activating his Omni Eye, he analyzed her movements, searching for patterns and weaknesses.
Ryuujin (thinking): She's fast... but there's a rhythm to her attacks.
But before he could exploit it, Tsukiya suddenly stopped, a messenger approaching her.
Messenger: "Tsukiya, you're needed."
She nodded, turning back to Ryuujin.
Tsukiya: "You've got potential. But you're not ready yet."
With that, she walked away, leaving Ryuujin standing in the fading light.
Ryuujin (thinking): She's extraordinary... but I'll surpass her. I can even imitate her movements.
Feeling invigorated despite the loss, Ryuujin returned to his room, determined to push his limits further. Tomorrow would bring new challenges, and he was ready for them.
--End --