After another month of training on the street, it was already early November, and one day another strange man climbed the mountain, but this time it was not just a ronin, but Suzu Jonetsu himself, Takahashi-sensei’s first student.
Yarimato had no idea, but he sensed something very powerful and solid, and when he saw him for the first time, he was struck by his powerful energy.
Suzu Jonetsu was 41 years old at the time, a tall, huge man, 6.4 feet tall.
His huge hands were covered in numerous scars, and his eyes were frightening and stern, like those of a predator.
His dark, thick facial hair and long black hair, tied back in a neat ponytail, emphasized his strength and character.
He was dressed in black samurai pants and a wide white kimono, and a large, beautiful white katana hung from his belt.
Its hilt, guard, and scabbard were made of snow-white and gold colors, making it look exquisite and deadly.
At 15 years old, Yarimato was already 5.7 feet tall, and when Suzu approached him, he placed his huge hand on his small, thin shoulder.
Suzu: So, you’re the new student, Takahashi-sama.
What’s your name, kid?
Suzu asked in a firm and serious voice.
Yarimato: I’m Yarimato Takahashi.
Yarimato said in a trembling voice.
Suzu: Takahashi, you say?
So, Takahashi-sama named you after himself?
I wonder if you’re special?
Yarimato bowed to Suzu, who smiled, patted him on the shoulder, and walked on.
Yarimato turned around and saw Takahashi-sensei, who had left the dojo and was standing on the porch waiting for his guest.
Yarimato didn’t understand why he was so scared of the sight of Suzu Jonetsu, but even so, Yarimato decided to continue his training, while Suzu and Takahashi sat down to drink tea and discuss secret matters.
But before entering the dojo, Takahashi-sensei called Yarimato over and said, “Yarimato, go to the forest and practice on the bamboo so that your strike is fast and accurate. We have something to discuss, and I don’t want you to disturb us.”
Yarimato: Okay, Takahashi-sensei, I’ll do as you say.
Yarimato bowed and went down the mountain to somewhere far away.
Since it was morning and the sun had just begun to shine, Yarimato decided to take a walk and wander through the woods.
He had only his shikimizue sword with him, and even though he was still a young man, no one would think that he had a katana hanging from his belt, as from the outside it would look like an ordinary wooden sword.
Yarimato walked along the river, watching its flow, walking between huge trees that blocked the sky and the sun, but before he knew it, Yarimato had come to a bamboo forest that he had never walked in before, so once he entered it, he began to walk around and look at everything around him.
Since Yarimato could no longer see colors, his world became much duller, and so, unfortunately, he could not see such beautiful and bright colors, but Yarimato had already gotten used to this and saw it as an advantage, since he would not be distracted by all kinds of bright colors that could interfere with his concentration during battle.
Looking around and making sure he was alone, he took out his sword and began practicing on the bamboo trees.
A couple of hours later, when the sun was directly above Yarimato, he took off his kimono and continued chopping bamboo, practicing his strike over and over again.
Despite the fact that it was the beginning of November, it was quite warm outside, so Yarimato became very tired.
He went down to a stream, washed himself in it, drank some cold water, and then went back to practicing his sword technique.
Towards evening, when the sun had already begun to set a little, a strange man suddenly approached him.
Yarimato noticed this and stopped.
He saw a man of medium height, dressed in a dark red kimono and wide dark trousers.
He wore a large straw hat that covered his face, and a katana hung from his belt.
Stranger: Sorry if I interrupted you, boy.
I was just passing by and noticed you, so I decided to come over and ask for directions.
Yarimato: It’s okay, I’m just practicing, but I don’t know this place myself, so I can’t help you.
The stranger didn’t leave, so he took off his hat, put it on the ground, came closer, smiled, and said, “My name is Kaitaken.
I’m traveling around Japan and looking at the beautiful lands of this country.
His face was slender with a slight stubble, and his eyes seemed kind at first glance, but in reality, they were definitely not well-intentioned.
Yarimato felt uncomfortable around this man and was about to leave.
Kaitaken: I am lonely and also a strong warrior, so would you like to come with me on my journey?
A guy with your looks and physique has a lot to lose.
Yarimato, embarrassed, put on his kimono and tucked his shikimizue into his belt, and was about to turn his back on the man when the man suddenly grabbed his shoulder and stopped him.
Kaitaken: Where are you going?
Do you live nearby?
Can I go with you?
I haven’t slept under a roof in a long time and I’m very tired.
Could you put me up for a while?
But Yarimato angrily pushes the stranger’s hand away and says with an angry look and tone: I don’t have a home, so leave me alone and go where you were going while you still can!
Yarimato threatened the strange stranger.
Turning around, Yarimato began to walk away, when suddenly he sensed something and, turning slightly, saw Kaitaken draw his sword from its sheath and strike a quick blow in his direction.
Yarimato reacted lightning fast, dodging the blow and saving himself.
Kaitaken: Wow, what a reaction!
So, you’re not as simple as you seem.
Yarimato: Who are you?
Yarimato says angrily.
Kaitaken replies with a smile on his face: I meant well, but you’re being so mean to me?
Don’t you respect your elders at all?
How old are you, kid?
Yarimato: Fifteen, and you’re right, I’m not as simple as I seem.
Kaitaken: How did you realize that something was wrong with me?
I was being kind, or am I doing something wrong?
Yarimato: Damn, this man is really crazy, what should I do?
Yarimato thought to himself.
Kaitaken: Listen to me, either you take me to your house, where I can hide for a while, or we’ll fight, and when you lose, you’ll regret not listening to me.
I’ll do something to you that will make you beg me for death, but it won’t come until you want to live again.
Yarimato: You damn lunatic!
You’re a maniac.
Let me guess, you’re running away from someone like a coward?
Now I understand why you needed me.
Kaitaken: I’m not a coward!
I just need to hide, and then I’ll go hunting again!
If only you knew how many guys like you, I’ve already killed and raped, but I liked you because of your looks.
Yarimato felt uncomfortable and even scared because it was his first time facing an enemy, especially a maniac who would do anything to him if he lost.
Yarimato: I have to focus, I won’t lose to a regular psycho, I have to remember everything I know and everything I’ve been through, and then everything will work out.
Yarimato thought to himself.
Kaitaken: Well, what?
What did you choose?
Yarimato: I choose to kill you, here and now!
Yarimato attacked the maniac, and a battle ensued.