Bishop's Gambit & Wit

Chapter 1: Rivalry with the Double Dragon

[Monday, October 16, 1851]

Located in the scenic famous Koyokiku city, there stands a robust and intricate building of Natsusuisei Academy. At first glance, it looked beautifully designed in a Japanese-style architecture and picturesque design. If one were to first approach the school's gates, they would be astonished by how spacious it was and sometimes overheard the students practicing their swordsmanship. It would feel as if they stepped into a brand-new world.

It was morning, and the chigos (younger boys between the age of 7 to 15) were training with their wooden swords. One of the nise students, or older boys, Ryuji Minato was tutoring them.
The chigo student Makoto, was nervously swinging his sword at the opponent's sword. With his trembling hands, he kept positioning his katana at an incorrect angle. Thus not being able to hit the dummy right.
"You're too slow! Put more energy in your arms and hands! And be confident!" Ryuji scolded, correcting Makoto's posture.

"I'm trying Minato-san but-"
"But what!?"
Gulping in fear, he replied "O-okay..." looking away from Ryuji and attempting to fix his method. But even then, he struggled to properly swing his sword at his friend, Akio and remained in making errors. Unlike Akio who seemed to be doing okay with his movements, No matter what Makoto tried, he could not get it right. Each time he'd make slashes with his blade, something would go wrong, causing him to miss or make mistakes. Frustration began to set in, and bullets started to come out of Makoto's forehead in a panic. Not knowing what to do next.
Ryuji could tell that Makoto was panicking, he then exhaled out of disappointment. Shaking his head and glancing at Makoto with a stern expression.

"Even after all of this, you still couldn't get it right?"
"I- I'm sorry Mi- nato-san. It's just that-"
"I will NOT accept apologies!"
Ryuji's patience was running out second by second, increasingly becoming more agitated.

Makoto lips separated to form a response. However, he was too afraid to talk. Feeling the pressure from Ryuji's unforgiving gaze, his eyes darted back and forth to Akio and Ryuji. He could feel the weight of the situation increasing.
"What's wrong Makoto? Cat got your tongue?" Akio teased, laughing.
"Stop it! It's not funny!" Makoto whined out while his feet pounded the ground.

In annoyance, Makoto chopped with his bokken at Akio, but the latter blocked it with not much problem. With every chop of his weapon, his anxiousness grew and grew. All this desire to live up to his senior's expectations felt too much for him.
Ryuji was aware that Makoto needed a moment to collect himself, but also knew that they didn't have time for idleness.
"Listen Makoto! We don't have all day. Stop wasting time! Time is of the essence here!" he snapped, raising his voice.

Makoto took a deep inhale, trying to calm himself down. But his stress crept up to him, he could feel shivering in his muscles. Ryuji was right, they didn't have enough time, and he was running out of chances. Makoto positioned his footwork again, attempting to slash his blade at Akio with trembling palms; but fell on his knees. Akio backed down, aware of how anxious and tired Makoto was. Planting his hand on his right shoulder, Akio said:
"Hey.. it's okay. Slow down, chill out, there's no need to be so tense."

Makoto raises his head, facing his friend. Smiling, Akio resumes saying:
"Try to relax buddy. We can keep practicing and help each other improve! Right?"
"...Yeah." Makoto replied, grabbing Akio's hand to get back up.

While Ryuji was spectating him, he shook his head in displeasure. This time, completely losing his tolerance.
"So it seems you can't make a clean cut. Nor properly swinging your katana." he scoffed.
When Makoto heard his voice, he gulped, bracing himself for the worst.
"You're useless, Makoto. You're useless! How can you even become a samurai with your lousy swordsmanship!?"
Hearing those words felt like a painful stab in his heart. It gradually became difficult for him to hold in his feelings, as his body was shaking from the intense fear. The other boys who were busy training got interrupted by Ryuji's forceful yell, unsure how to react.

"HEY! Makoto ain't useless! He- he just needs some time to improve his skills!" Akio opposed, defending Makoto from Ryuji's harsh words.
"Quiet you brat! Do you have years of experience in swordsmanship? No, you don't. So you don't get to decide whether or not your friend is useless! What makes you think he's good enough to be a samurai?"
"We- well-" "Well what?"
"We all start somewhere right? So maybe he could get stronger in the future, just like you! Makoto just needs more practice, that's all!"