After an intense day filled with physical exercises and endurance training, Shanks stepped out of his home, ready to begin his swordsmanship practice. The cool evening breeze refreshed him, and the serene forest surrounding his training ground provided the perfect ambiance. Scanning his surroundings, he made his way to his designated practice spot, a secluded clearing shaded by tall trees. The rustling leaves and the soft whisper of the wind added an almost meditative quality to the environment.
Taking a deep breath, Shanks sat down cross-legged, his trusted sword by his side. Before diving into the physical part of his training, he decided to clear his mind. With closed eyes and a relaxed posture, he meditated, letting go of distractions. The only sounds were his steady breathing and the gentle rustle of the forest.
After a few minutes, he opened his eyes, feeling centered and focused. Stretching his shoulders, wrists, and legs, he loosened up his body and prepared for movement. A short jog around the clearing followed, warming up his muscles.
With his body ready, Shanks unsheathed his sword—a blade he cherished deeply, one that represented his dreams and aspirations. Holding it firmly in his left hand, he assumed a balanced stance, his right hand ready to adjust the guard. His movements were deliberate; every step and position meticulously calculated.
"Alright, imaginary opponent, get ready for a beating!" he muttered to himself with a smirk.
First, he practiced his footwork, ensuring smooth transitions and swift movements. Step forward, step back, pivot—over and over again, until the rhythm became second nature. Next came the strikes.
The Shomen Uchi, a vertical slash, was first. With precise control, he brought the blade down in a clean arc. It seemed simple, but Shanks knew that mastering such basics was key to perfection.
Then came the Kiriage, a diagonal upward slash. This required perfect coordination between his arms and legs. He repeated it multiple times, occasionally pausing to mutter, "Nope, that one looked like I was swatting flies. Again!"
Finally, he practiced the Do Uchi, horizontal strikes aimed at an opponent's sides. After thirty repetitions, Shanks' arms felt like they weighed a ton, but his determination kept him going.
The final part of his sword training involved rapid combinations, known as Kirikaeshi. The goal: strike left, then right, repeatedly, without losing speed or form. It was like a deadly dance routine, and Shanks treated it with the seriousness of a contestant on a talent show.
An hour later, drenched in sweat, he sat down for another meditation session. This wasn't just for relaxation—it was a chance to analyze his progress and identify areas for improvement.
That night, back home, Shanks visited his mental "library." Among the shelves of knowledge stored in his mind, he found a virtual mentor named Izumi—a samurai from the land of Wano, skilled in the fundamentals of swordsmanship. Watching Izumi's instructional videos (stored neatly in his memory), Shanks couldn't help but admire the calm yet firm advice: "Never rush your training. Precision comes before speed."
In addition to Izumi's teachings, Shanks studied techniques from other disciplines. He realized he needed to diversify his skills, starting with chakra control—a foundation for mastering ninjutsu.
The next day, Shanks woke up with renewed energy. After a hearty breakfast, he headed to the training grounds, determined to master walking on trees.
The Tree-Climbing Challenge
The goal: channel just the right amount of chakra into his feet. Too little, and he'd slip. Too much, and the bark would crack underfoot.
"Focus, Shanks," he said, staring at the nearest tree like it had insulted his cooking skills.
Step by step, he experimented with chakra control, running up and down the tree. Occasionally, he'd misjudge and leave a small crater in the bark.
"Oops. Uh... sorry, tree. I'll do better next time!"
Shanks reviewed the challenges: emotional outbursts, physical exhaustion, and injuries all disrupted chakra flow. To succeed, he needed a calm mind, a rested body, and relentless determination.
After hours of practice, Shanks managed to maintain a steady chakra flow. His success boosted his confidence. "Next step: water walking. And after that, shadow clones! Let's go!"
The rising sun painted the sky in shades of gold as Shanks vowed to keep pushing forward. With every challenge, every stumble, and every victory, he knew he was one step closer to mastering not only his sword but his destiny.
"Alright, time to train harder... but maybe after a snack."