Project K

Blade

I visited the building given by Alice. It's now all completely new. I enter inside and it is full of equipment from freshly created wooden swords (Bokken).

I was given a paper by Alice, as 4 students with potential as a trial run.

I held the papers, and I was told to choose either one or all of them. I am more surprised about Ashiharatsumori Koito.

"The student that Alice had mentioned, the one she defeated, is now a student here. How ironic"

I chuckled to myself, placing the paper down on the dojo's counter. It's been a week since the duel, and the buzz around the school hadn't quite died down. Students whispered about the mysterious new mentor who had defeated the unbeatable Hitomi. I knew the reputation was going to be interesting to manage, but it was also an opportunity to teach something beyond just swordplay.

The first to arrive was Ohitome Kohane, a young girl with a timid demeanor and a surprisingly large katana for her size. She hovered at the doorway, glancing at the ground as she stepped in.

"Welcome, Ohitome," I greeted her with a gentle smile. "You can call me Mentor or advisor."

Her eyes widened as she looked up at me, then at the blade in her hands. "I-it's an honor to meet you, Mentor."

"Let's not get ahead of ourselves," I said, patting her on the shoulder. "First, tell me why you wish to wield a sword."

Her eyes searched the floor, a hint of shyness in her voice. "I-it's... it's all I know, Mentor. My family... we've always had a sword. It's like a part of me."

I nodded, understanding the weight of tradition. "The blade is an extension of your soul, Ohitome. It's not just about power, but also about the grace with which you wield it. Now, show me what you've got."

We began to spar, our wooden swords clashing in the quiet dojo. Ohitome was skilled, but her shyness held her back. She had the strength and technique, but she lacked the confidence to truly shine. As we fought, I could see the fear in her eyes, the doubt in every swing.

I shouted, interrupting our spar. "Ohitome, look at me!"

Her eyes snapped to mine, a mix of surprise and apprehension.

She steps backward. I can see she's getting nervous, but I knew she could do better. "Remember Ohitome, the blade is an extension of yourself, not just your hand but your heart, your soul"

Her grip tightened and she nodded.

After a couple of minutes, Ohitome's swings started to look more confident. She's starting to understand what I was telling her. Her movements are more fluid, and she's no longer just defending herself; she's engaging.

I can see in her eyes, the determination that she long wanted, but as I look closer she's started to weary, as she wanted to stop. I exhale for a bit and talk to Ohitome "You know, you can always take a break if you want"
"But, I don't want to disappoint you, Mentor" she replied with a shaky voice.
"Never fight when you're exhausted, it's a good way to get hurt or worse," I say as I gently sheathed my wooden blade.

I told Ohitome to sit down for a bit, as I rested I noticed someone at the entrance. It was Ashiharatsumori Koito, the delinquent Alice had mentioned. She looked at me with a rebellious glint in his eyes, the large katana strapped to her back.

"Well, it's about time you showed up," I said, noticing the smirk on her face. "What brings you here, Ashiharatsumori?" What a mouth full of a word.

"You... the rumored mentor that everyone is talking about, you don't look like the person who beat Hitomi"

I chuckled "Looks can be deceiving, young one. Did Alice send you?"

"That bastard? Yes" As she entered the room. I can see her clothes torn, and having ruggy hair.

"What's your interest in training with me, Ashiharatsumori?" I asked as she took a seat.

"To be stronger of Course! And beat that bastard, Alice"

Her words were filled with a fiery passion that surprised me. It seems Sato had left quite the impression on her. "Strength is important, but it's not everything. Tell me, what do you think is the most important aspect of swordsmanship?"

Koito took a moment to ponder, her eyes scanning the dojo. "Winning, I guess?"

I leaned against the counter, folding my arms. "Winning is just a byproduct. The true essence of swordsmanship is understanding yourself and your opponent, moving in harmony with your blade, and mastering your inner strength."

Koito tilted her head, curiosity piqued. "How do I do that?"

I unsheathed my katana and said "I said before, to Ohitome your body is just an extension of your blade, and I truly believe that" I held the grip of the katana and immediately swung it to the air. As the sound of the blade cutting the air echoes in the dojo. "But it's not just about being with your blade, it's about understanding your self"

I sheathed my katana and walked towards Koito. "I will be honest. When I saw your papers. I would have given up already with a terrible record and average combat effectiveness but, I can tell that you understand yourself, my previous disciple took her a year to understand her effectiveness, yet you" I took her Scabbard and unsheathed her Katana "I can tell you have been using this sword since your a child, the handlebar is extended as it meant to be used by a child."

Her eyes watered up "It was given by my father, it 's all I have left of him"

I smiled and said, "I understand your feelings, but your father's gift is not just a mere weapon, it's a tool for you to understand yourself, like what I've taught my previous disciple, and what I'll teach you."

I look at Ashiharatsumori "Now Ashiharatsumori, your last name is quite long"

"Yeah, I know, it's a pain" she replied with a smirk.

"Should I call you? Ashi? Or Koito?" I tilt my head over.

"Koito is fine, mentor"

I nodded. "My disciple Koito, the true strength comes from within, not from anger or the desire to win. Let's see what you're made of."

I brought out 2 Bokken and tossed to her one. "Using a real blade would be hurt right?"

"Yeah..." She grips the Bokken, and I can see the determination in her eyes, she's ready to prove herself.

We began to spar, our wooden swords echoing through the dojo. Her swings were raw and powerful, a stark contrast to Ohitome's slow and graceful movements. Despite her brute strength, she lacked the finesse and precision of a true swordsman.