Echoes of Legacy

"Unraveled Loyalties"

The summer break passed by and Mayumi, Norio and Asahi returned back to their hostel.

One evening during an unofficial practise match the rain poured down, the atmosphere was charged with intensity. Mayumi wiped the water from her face, staring at Kenji, who stood in front of her, sword in hand. Kei and Amy stood to the side, wide-eyed, unsure whether to intervene or simply watch the unfolding drama.

Kenji smirked, his eyes narrowing. "What's the matter, Mayumi? Getting tired already?" he teased, swinging his sword lightly in the air.

Mayumi, panting and wet, replied with a smirk of her own. "You wish, Kenji. This is just getting started." She tightened her grip on her sword, but exhaustion was clearly settling in.

The crowd, sensing the tension, started murmuring among themselves. Suddenly, a boy shouted from the back, "Go on, Kenji! Show her who's boss!"

Mayumi rolled her eyes. "Really? You think you can just walk in here and challenge me like that?" she said, her voice tinged with disbelief but playful nonetheless.

Kenji's expression grew serious. "I don't challenge people just for fun, Mayumi. If you're the best, then prove it."

Mayumi chuckled softly, shaking her head. "Alright, but don't cry when you lose."

With that, their swords clashed again, the metallic sound ringing through the rain-soaked air. The fight escalated as they exchanged rapid strikes. Mayumi's exhaustion was becoming apparent, but she kept pushing herself.

As their swords locked, Kenji leaned in, his voice low. "Getting slower, aren't you?"

Mayumi grunted in frustration, her grip faltering. Her sword slipped from her hands, clattering to the ground as she stumbled backward, leaning against the wall for support.

Kenji wasted no time, advancing on her with his sword raised. "Not so tough now, are you?" He brought his sword down next to her, stopping just inches from her body.

But Mayumi wasn't done yet. "Never count me out, Kenji." With a quick move, she kicked him in the chest, sending him stumbling back.

The crowd gasped as Mayumi retrieved her sword, though she was clearly running on fumes. Kenji recovered quickly, swinging his sword with force. In a split second, the blade cut through the air and sliced a chunk of Mayumi's hair.

Mayumi blinked, glancing at the wet strands of hair on the ground, but her expression remained calm. "Really? My hair?" she said, almost laughing at how little she cared.

Suddenly, a loud voice interrupted the fight.

"WHAT ON EARTH IS GOING ON HERE?" Robin's voice boomed through the rain, startling both Mayumi and Kenji. He stormed over, his eyes blazing with anger as he took in the scene. "Get inside right now, both of you!"

Kenji lowered his sword immediately, stepping back with a guilty expression. Mayumi, drenched and shivering, could barely stand but managed to hand her sword to Kei, who quickly handed her a towel.

Robin approached, his voice cold and stern. "What do you think you're doing? It's pouring rain, and you're out here fighting with swords? Are you trying to get injured? Or worse, get sick?" His gaze zeroed in on Mayumi. "And you, Mayumi, of all people. I expected better from you."

Mayumi, teeth chattering from the cold, muttered, "It was just practice... I didn't mean for it to go this far."

Robin crossed his arms, his brow furrowed. "Practice? Without a teacher present? You know the rules-no sparring with weapons unless supervised. And with exams coming up, the last thing you need is an injury." He raised his voice, his frustration evident. "Do you even understand the consequences of this? You could've been seriously hurt!"