The Void Soul

*The Art of Nail*

"This is the day that you've all been waiting for."

The master stood on the first platform of the parkour course as he announced this to all disciples that was gathered around, looking at him with attentive eyes.

It was not immediately announced, but all of the sparring session and creating a special attack had a specific purpose. The student’s were aware of that you ALL were aware of that.

"You've all prepared yourselves," he said as he let his eye run over his group of disciples, "you've trained, you've learned.." he punctuated every point, until his eyes landed on you.

"..and challenged yourselves."

"Today, we shall begin the competition to decide the three candidates to be the Champions of our village." He revealed a table full of weapons, REAL weapons, causing a series of horrified gasps among your classmates. "Step forward for all those who wish to enter, if you dare."

There was many who hesitated, the fear of wielding a real weapon had the risk of experiencing real pain. Getting hit with a real metal nail couldn't compare to getting hit by a mere wooden stick.

Even the esteemed brothers, top students of the school hesitated. If kids like them, trained since the moment of their hatching, shake under the idea of a nail, what more could a simple student do?

So, you were the first to step forward.

You have not held a weapon in your human life, or even in this life that isn't yours. But you know you had to, since the day you first killed a person. Someone wanted you dead, this wasn't a matter of choice, it was a matter of survival.

In that moment, it felt like all eyes went to you.

Everyone was already prepared for this, they all have learned their own Nail art. So, why is it that you, a student who didn't even win a single battle against Mato, be the first to take the risk and run into danger?

"Very well then," despite the surprise of every student in the school. The nailsage, like he always was, remained calm and unreadable. "Choose your weapon."

Now that made you confused.

You thought you would have a uniformed weapon, like how you all had the same identical training sticks.

The Nailsage must've noticed your confusion as he began to explain, "I've said it before, each of us has different fighting styles. Therefore, different weapons.." he gestured to the weapons displayed on the table once again, "Now, choose your weapon."

A series of whispers were exchanged among students as they began speculating which weapon they would pick, if ever they were brave enough to hold it.

You had paused, while your hand was hovering over a huge nail. It had automatically reached out to the biggest weapon you see, and assumed it'd be enough to defeat your rival.

Picking the largest nail may benefit you in winning against Mato, but will it work against your other opponents? Is wielding that weapon better suited for you?

No, your fighting style was far different than that.

You've been so caught in trying to beat him, forgetting that he is not your only enemy. 

A weapon is an extension of your body.

You were quick with your feet, had a high stamina and longer endurance. You could imitate Mato's art style all you want, but that isn't really how you fight. Wielding a big nail was never really your thing, so you stepped back and took a moment to look around the huge selection of weapon.