The sun had already begun to fall when Koi Ren returned home.
The training grounds near the house were quiet again, just like every evening in Ochisuita. The wind moved gently through the grass, and the sound of distant birds echoed across the fields.
But Koi was already standing in the center of the clearing.
Koru rested in his hand.
Across from him stood Watashi.
The old swordsman looked completely relaxed. His posture was calm, almost careless.
But there was one important difference today.
Watashi was only using his left hand.
His weaker hand.
Koi tightened his grip on Koru.
"You're really going to fight me with just that hand?"
Watashi nodded.
"Yes."
"That's insulting."
Watashi raised an eyebrow.
"Then prove me wrong."
Watashi lifted his wooden training sword with his left hand.
"The task is simple."
Koi looked focused.
"You only need to touch me once."
Koi blinked.
"That's it?"
"One clean hit. Even a tap."
Koi smirked.
"That sounds easy."
Watashi said nothing.
"Begin."
Koi moved first.
His feet pushed against the ground as he rushed forward, drawing Koru in a fast strike.
Watashi blocked it easily with his left hand.
Clack.
Koi attacked again.
Faster.
Watashi stepped aside.
Miss.
Koi turned and tried another strike.
Blocked.
Watashi tapped Koi's shoulder.
"Dead."
Koi groaned.
"Again."
They reset their positions.
Koi attacked again.
And again.
And again.
Every attempt failed.
Watashi moved calmly, reading every motion.
Hours passed.
The sun disappeared.
The sky turned dark.
Koi's back had small scratches from the repeated clashes. His arms were heavy. His breathing was rough.
But he kept going.
"Again," Watashi said.
Koi charged once more.
This time, his movements changed slightly. He did not rush blindly. He adjusted his timing.
Watashi struck.
Koi twisted his body at the last second.
He dodged.
Watashi's eyes sharpened instantly.
Koi slipped past the defense and moved behind him.
In one quick motion—
Tap.
Koi placed his blade gently on Watashi's shoulder.
Silence.
Watashi froze for a brief moment.
He had read the move.
But Koi was faster than expected.
Slowly, Watashi lowered his wooden sword.
"…Good."
Koi stood there, breathing heavily, surprised at himself.
"I did it…"
Watashi gave a small nod.
"You did."
Koi smiled weakly.
Watashi looked at him carefully.
The boy had improved again.
Without powers.
Without shortcuts.
Just effort.
Watashi turned toward the house.
"Enough for today."
Koi nodded and followed him inside.
As they walked, Watashi spoke quietly.
"Tomorrow is more important than any other day."
Koi looked at him.
"Why?"
Watashi didn't answer immediately.
Instead, he simply said:
"Rest."
The moon rose over Ochisuita.
And both of them went to sleep, unaware of how close the future truly was.