Three days after the conversation and a week after Yoshi’s death, Yarimato felt better after talking to his teacher and stopped blaming himself for Yoshi’s death.
Yarimato returned to training and continued practicing the “Wave Strike” technique.
As winter was approaching, Yarimato was a little upset that he had not even mastered the first technique in the last four months, when he still had two more to master.
But Yarimato did not give up and continued to practice hard, but something still bothered him, and that was the Tsunami technique.
When Yarimato learned that he could master it, he became even more afraid, because if he learned it, he would one day have to use it on an opponent, and this fear of the power and responsibility of this technique tormented him, and he did not know what to do.
Takahashi noticed Yarimato’s doubts and wondered how to help him overcome his fear, because Takahashi really wanted at least one of his students to master this technique.
If he died and no one else learned it, the Tsunami technique would die with him.
“But maybe that would be for the best?”
Takahashi said, remembering the power that this terrible technique carried.
After training, Yarimato entered the dojo and sat down on the tatami mat at the table next to Takahashi, who was writing something.
Yarimato: Takahashi-sensei, I wanted to ask you something.
Takahashi put away his notebook and replied, “I’m listening, Yarimato-kun.”
Yarimato: When you fought with Yoshi, you dodged his blows so deftly and quickly, and the most amazing thing was how you threw him over yourself.
I would also like to learn how to fight without a weapon in my hands.
Takahashi: That’s a good idea, and it might help you someday, but I don’t know much about karate or judo.
Still, I’ll show you some techniques that could save your life, since you’re interested.
Yarimato: Okay, when can we start training?
Takahashi: When I am sure that you have mastered my art.
Yarimato: But I defeated the enemy with a wooden sword, isn’t that proof?
Takahashi: Yes, it is, but when you have mastered at least one of my techniques, then I will teach you everything I know.
Yarimato accepted his teacher’s words and continued training, improving his endurance and striking power, as well as practicing the Wave Strike technique.
Yarimato continued to practice, and after two difficult weeks, he was able to perfectly replicate the Wave Strike technique for the first time, but when he tried to repeat it again, he was unable to achieve the same result as the first time.
Yarimato did not get discouraged and continued to practice.
It was already mid-December outside, and snow lay on the dojo grounds.
Walking around the grounds, Takahashi noticed that the stranger had climbed the mountain again.
Takahashi: Lately, many people have decided to challenge me.
Takahashi sat down in front of the dojo, directly opposite the stranger.
As the stranger approached, Takahashi saw a young man with bright yellow hair.
He was of average height, and his hair was tousled and unkempt, but his kimono and robe were made of bright white fabric.
His clothes were decorated with many gold-colored patterns, and the katana at his waist was also of the same color.
Takahashi: Who are you, young man?
Takahashi asked in a wise voice.
Young man: Young man?
What do you mean old man?
I’m 21 years old, and I haven’t been a young man for a long time.
The stranger replied rudely.
Takahashi: Well, who are you?
The guy smiled, took his sword out of its sheath, turned the blade sideways, leaned it against his chest, and said, “My name is Aki, and I am the first and only student of Suzu Jonetsu! I came here on my teacher’s orders to fight your student named Yarimato Takahashi, and my victory will mean the completion of my training!”
Declared the guy named Aki.
Takahashi: You’re a student of Suzu Jonetsu?
My first student?
Takahashi asked in surprise.
Aki: Grandpa, don’t be so surprised.
Suzu-sensei has already told me about you, and I know that you were my teacher’s teacher, but I’m not here for you, I’m here to fight Yarimato.
Takahashi: So Suzu gave you one last assignment, after which you will complete your training?
Are you so sure you can defeat my student?
Aki: Don’t make me laugh, Grandpa.
Your student is only 16 years old, and I’m already 21, and I’m 100% sure that I can easily defeat this weakling.
After all, I am a student of the great Suzu Jonetsu!
Takahashi almost laughed at this fool, but he just smiled a little and didn’t interfere.
Takahashi: Fine, Yarimato, fight him in a deadly battle and we’ll see whose teacher is better.
Takahashi called Yarimato, and after training, Yarimato met this guy Aki.
Takahashi: Yarimato, this guy Aki is the first student of my student Suzu Jonetsu, and Aki has come to fight you to the death.
If he defeats you, he will complete his training, and therefore you will be his final test.
Hearing this, Yarimato was frightened because he did not think he would have to fight someone to the death again.
Takahashi leaned over to Yarimato and whispered in his ear: Now I will test how well you have mastered the technique and my fighting style.
Also, show this idiot that you’re not just some guy with a sword, but Takahashi’s own student.
Yarimato gathered his thoughts and focused, hung his katana on his belt, and left the dojo.
Yarimato and Aki met each other’s eyes.
Yarimato: This guy looks strong, and his clothes make him look like the emperor’s son.
He said to himself.
Aki: Is that you, Yarimato?
How awful, I’ve been waiting for our meeting for so many years, and you’re ruining everything!
Yarimato was surprised by his words and didn’t even know how to respond.
Yarimato: Where are your manners?
Just because you think you’re older, you can talk like that to those younger than you?
Yarimato said in a calm tone.
Hearing this from Yarimato, Aki was offended and said angrily: What are you, a little punk?
You think you’re stronger than me?
Have you seen yourself?!
You’re just skin and bones, how are you even still alive?
Was it your destiny to be defeated by me?
It must be awful to be a disposable pawn for others, but I’m not going to hold back just because you’re weak.
But Yarimato didn’t react to his words and, pulling his katana from its sheath, said, “Attack, Aki, disciple of Suzu Jonetsu.”
Aki was surprised by Yarimato’s seriousness and, even though he was a little scared, he got angry that he felt fear towards Yarimato and pulled the scabbard from his belt.
Aki took out the katana and threw the scabbard far away, grabbed the sword with both hands, and prepared for battle.
Although Aki looked strong, he was foolish.
If only he knew that Yarimato’s eyes now showed fear and self-doubt, he could have taken advantage of this opportunity.
Although Yarimato looked serious and ready, inside he was still afraid, because he was not facing just any vagrant, but Suzu’s disciple himself!
Even though he felt better, he was still a little scared of killing Yoshi, and because of that, Yarimato was afraid to strike, as the image of Takahashi using his Tsunami technique popped into his head.
Therefore, Yarimato’s mind was in turmoil, and he was definitely not ready for this battle, but this was his chance to overcome his fears and continue his training, if, of course, he survived this battle.