Swish. Swish. Swish.
The rhythmic sound of wooden swords slicing through the summer air echoed across the dojo courtyard.
Three adolescents moved in unison — clad in matching training uniforms, their feet grounded, their blades fluid. Shin, Shizuku, and Kouki were fully immersed in their drills.
From the veranda, Koichi Yaegashi and Old Man Shuu sat cross-legged, quietly observing. Neither spoke at first, but their sharp gazes followed every movement with a silent kind of pride.
"This Shin kid is really something else, Father," Koichi murmured.
Old Man Shuu gave a small nod, the corners of his eyes crinkling with amusement.
"Hoho... to think that within just one summer break, that boy managed to improve this much," the old man replied."And those two—though not as much as Shin—they've come quite a ways themselves."
It had been five weeks since Shin first stepped into the dojo.In that first week, he had joined out of curiosity — and during the initial spar, he moved mostly on instinct. His style resembled a wild, untamed blade, unpredictable but lacking control.
But now, things were different.
Though not yet fully refined, Shin had gained noticeable control over his movements. His footwork was steadier, his swings more deliberate. The wildness remained — but it had been tempered, sharpened. A sword still in the process of being forged — but already beginning to take shape.
His growth was nothing short of impressive.
_________________________
During Shin's third week at the dojo, after taking pity on a few underfed trainees and noticing the Old Man's barely hidden dissatisfaction with the meals, he made a simple proposal:he would cook lunch for the Yaegashi household from time to time during his visits.
When lunchtime came, Shin didn't just cook for the family — he made enough for the trainees, the household staff, and even the dojo assistants.The first meal was a traditional Japanese lunch. Nothing flashy. At a glance, it looked like something anyone's mother might serve.
But appearances were deceiving.
The moment the food was served, conversation began to die down. Some trainees who were usually loud and rowdy started to fall silent — not out of discipline, but because they were too busy savoring every bite.
By the end of that first day, a pattern emerged: they were eating more quietly, more deliberately... and more than usual.
From then on, Shin began preparing lunch at the dojo at least three times a week.
By the fourth week, he was teaching some of the household members a few cooking tips — subtle things about timing, heat control, and how to balance his special homemade spice blend. His technique, sharp knife skills, and seamless multitasking impressed even the Yaegashi family's veteran cook.
"You cook like someone who's been doing this for decades," the head cook had muttered, arms crossed and eyes narrowed with intrigue."You're how old again?"
Despite their best efforts to replicate his dishes, one thing remained elusive: the mysterious aftereffect of Shin's cooking.Even when the flavor was perfectly matched, the invigorating warmth and the subtle vitality boost — that sensation of energy blooming after a meal — never appeared.
It wasn't just food. There was something more to it.Whether it was due to Shin's unique presence or something yet unknown, no one could quite explain it.
In those weeks, Shin grew close to Shizuku, Kouki, and Kaori. Kaori often visited the dojo to check on Shizuku and Kouki — but slowly, she found herself spending some time talking with Shin.
When training took a break, the three would Shin for fishing trips or foraging in the forest. Like the last time they joined Shin in the forest, they learned a lot — not just about plants and ingredients, but about Shin himself and his wierd antics specially about food.During accompanying Shin on dojo breaks, the three of them became frequent visitors to the orphanage, helping with chores, playing with the children, and most of all, eagerly looking forward to the lunches Shin prepared there.
Those moments — simple and warm — had quietly become part of their summer routine.Such events had filled the past few weeks, blending training, friendship, and small joys into a summer none of them would forget.
___________________________
As the final week of summer vacation began to wind down, Old Man Shuu and Koichi couldn't help but notice the changes in Shin's form.
He had shed much of his reliance on pure instinct — that wild, reactive style from his first days — and begun to adopt the foundational techniques of the Yaegashi sword style.
His swings were sharper, faster, and no longer just reactive. They carried intent.
Each movement now had purpose — not just to defend, but to control the flow of battle.
"He's starting to understand the difference between swinging and cutting," Koichi noted quietly.
"Mm. Not quite polished... but he's on the right path," Old Man Shuu replied, arms folded as he watched from the veranda.
Shin wasn't the only one who had grown.
Shizuku's swordplay had also evolved. With her improved physical condition — thanks in part to Shin's mysterious cooking — her footwork had become lighter, her strikes cleaner. Her draws and counters flowed almost seamlessly, blending speed and precision with a new confidence.
Kouki, on the other hand, showed marked improvements in raw strength and reaction speed. His swings had more power, and his defense had sharpened. But he still hadn't outgrown certain habits — the flashy, overextended moves that screamed "heroic finish" more than practical form.
Even so, the growth of all three was undeniable.
Watching them now, Old Man Shuu felt something stir.
"It's time," he finally said, rising slowly to his feet.
Koichi raised a brow. "You mean—?"
"A rematch. Same as before. No holding back this time."
He turned toward the trio, voice raised just enough to reach them.
"You three. Line up."
Shin, Shizuku, and Kouki exchanged glances — then stepped forward without hesitation.
"A rematch, huh?" Kouki grinned. "I've been waiting for this."
"I'm curious to see how far I've come," Shizuku added, brushing a few strands of hair behind her ear.
Shin adjusted the grip on his wooden sword, a quiet fire in his gaze.
"Me too. I want to test everything I've learned."
Old Man Shuu nodded, satisfied.
"Then shall we get started."
_____________________________________
The dojo courtyard simmered with late-summer heat, but the air between the three trainees was sharper—charged.
Wooden swords in hand, Shin, Shizuku, and Kouki stood before Old Man Shuu, whose expression had turned unreadable.
"Last time, you all showed me the raw state of your blades," he said, voice even. "Now, let me see how much you've honed them."
Koichi watched silently from the veranda, arms folded, but his gaze was attentive. The memory of that first spar was still fresh — Shin disarming Kouki with a step, Shizuku turning the tables on Shin with a precise feint, and Kouki... looking stunned.
But now, five weeks later, things had shifted.
"Same format as before," Old man Shuu continued.
"One-on-one. No fancy speeches, no pretending to be heroes. Just your blades and your will."
Kouki stepped forward first."I want to go first. Against Shin."
Shizuku blinked, mildly surprised. Shin tilted his head but nodded once.
The two faced each other again — just like before. But this time, Shin's stance had changed. He held his bokken high in a proper guard, his center grounded, feet evenly spaced. No longer a boy standing too open.
Kouki noticed. He gripped his bokken tighter.
"You're standing like you know what you're doing now," he muttered."I've been practicing," Shin replied. "You should too."
"Tch—watch me."
Koichi raised his hand.
"Begin."
Kouki charged — but not as recklessly as before. His step-in was tighter, his swing aimed cleanly for Shin's right side.
Shin parried — fast. The block was crisp, controlled. No excess motion.
The crowd watching them tensed as the tempo built. Kouki came in again — a high feint into a low swing.
Shin shifted, feet sliding like water. His bokken came down — not to disarm, but to redirect Kouki's momentum. Kouki stumbled.
Then Shin pressed forward — one, two, three fast strikes.
Kouki caught two, blocked the third, but barely.
"Damn it—he's faster now!"
He tried to counter, but Shin pivoted behind him with a sharp sidestep, placing the tip of his bokken against Kouki's back.
"Point. Takagi Shin."
Koichi's voice rang out clearly.
Kouki turned, stunned again — but this time, less angry. More frustrated.
"How—"
"You still swing wide when you're annoyed," Shin replied, matter-of-fact.
Kouki grit his teeth, but instead of snapping back, he let out a short breath and nodded.
"Fine. Next time, I won't give you the chance."
Shin didn't smile. But his eyes softened just slightly.
Then, Shizuku stepped forward, bokken in hand. Her gaze was sharp, but there was a small glimmer of amusement.
"Let's see if I can still land a hit on you, Shin-kun."
"I'm curious too Shizuku-san," Shin replied.
Koichi raised his hand again.
"Begin."
_______________________
The moment Koichi's hand dropped, Shizuku moved.
Her steps were quick, her approach measured — not flashy, not aggressive, but precise. The Shizuku of five weeks ago had relied on control. Now, her movements flowed like water — fast, agile, and unhesitating.
Shin met her advance with equal footing.
His stance no longer resembled an instinctive reaction. His bokken shifted like a drawn breath — stable, purposeful, deliberate.
Clack!
Wood struck wood. The first clash echoed cleanly in the courtyard.
Shizuku pivoted, stepping to the side. Shin mirrored her, adjusting without overcommitting. They moved in a rhythm — not as enemies, but as duelists reading each other in real time.
A slash from the left.A block, then a counter.Shizuku ducked low.Shin twisted mid-step.
The exchange continued — fast, clean, technical.
Old Man Shuu's eyes gleamed with pride. "Their rhythm's solid now. No wasted motion."
Koichi, silent beside him, nodded. "This isn't a test anymore. This is a dance between equals."
Then it happened.
Shizuku feinted low — similar to the move she used in their first match — but this time, Shin didn't take the bait.He stepped in.She adjusted.Their bokkens moved — one horizontal, one diagonal.
Clack. Thwack.
Two strikes landed at once.
Shizuku's bokken tapped against Shin's right shoulder.Shin's blade halted inches from Shizuku's abdomen, lightly pressing against her uniform.
Silence followed.
Neither moved. The dojo around them seemed to hold its breath.
Then Koichi spoke, clear and firm.
"Match draw. Simultaneous contact."
Gasps and murmurs spread across the trainees watching.
Shizuku stepped back first, breathing softly, a light sheen of sweat on her brow. She gave Shin a small smile, eyes bright.
"Looks like I can't win as easily this time, huh?"
Shin nodded, his grip on the bokken relaxed.
"I almost missed your feint again."
"And I didn't expect you to step in instead of dodging."
There was no tension between them — only respect.
Shizuku smiled softly, adjusting her grip on the bokken. "You've really grown, Shin-kun."
Shin gave a light nod. "You too. You're even faster now."
Before the quiet admiration could settle any further—
"That was so cool! Both of you!"
Kouki popped in between them with a big grin, throwing his arms around their shoulders as if he'd been part of the moment the whole time.
"I mean, seriously! That clash at the end? Boom! Double hit! You guys looked like final bosses from a game or something!"
Shizuku rolled her eyes with a faint laugh. "We're not game characters, Kouki."
"Still! It's like our own training arc. Next time, I'll be the one landing the final blow, though!"
Shin tilted his head. "So… you want a draw too?"
"No way! I'm aiming for a full victory!" Kouki said proudly, hands on his hips. "That's how a hero's story goes, right? The rivals get strong, then the hero goes even further beyond!"
Shizuku sighed. "And when do the rivals get a break from the hero's speeches?"
"Never!" Kouki declared, unbothered. "That's what makes it inspiring!"
Shin blinked, then turned to Shizuku. "I still don't really get him."
"You're not supposed to," she replied flatly.
Shizuku sighed and held her head, clearly exhausted by Kouki's usual heroic rambling. Kouki continued talking animatedly, oblivious to her reaction, while Shin stood beside them in silence, calmly removing his ponytail and letting his white hair fall back over his eyes as if returning to his usual self.