A few days ago—Yamamoto Second Estate, Japan
Akira and Himari stepped into the quiet corridors of a traditional, Japanese-style residence nestled within the estate grounds.
"This will be your quarters for the time being," Himari said softly, gesturing toward the paper-screen doors and tatami mats.
Akira gave a polite nod. Placing her traveling bag down near the entryway, she immediately stepped out onto the polished wooden veranda overlooking the inner garden.
Everything about the new estate felt unfamiliar, the quiet air thick with restraint. Taking a slow, deep breath, Akira turned back inside, unfastened her sheath, and drew her blade to begin her daily daily slashes.
Her mind drifted back to her father's words on the journey over: "You are exceptionally good, Akira. But strength decays without continuous discipline. Never let your blade rust."
Akira swung her katana in a clean arcs.
The sliding door clicked open, and Commander Sasaki stepped onto the tatami.
"Father? You returned earlier than expected," Akira said, bringing her blade down to her side.
Sasaki gave a slight nod. "You've already begun training. Dedication is admirable, my daughter, but do not neglect your health in the process."
"Don't worry, Father," Akira replied with a faint smile. "I was simply restless, so I thought I would practice my forms."
Sasaki watched in silence as she executed another fluid strike, a rare look of paternal pride touching his features.
Stepping out onto the garden gravel, Sasaki picked up a heavy wooden practice sword from a nearby rack and stepped into the center of the yard.
"Let us test your progress," Sasaki offered, lowering his center of gravity. "Come at me whenever you are ready."
Should I switch to a wooden sword as well? Akira hesitated, looking down at her live steel. I know I am no match for Father, but I cannot risk accidentally injuring him.
Sasaki chuckled softly, reading her hesitation instantly. "Use the real blade. This old man is still tough."
Akira nodded, her eyes sharpening as she raised her sword into a middle stance.
Sasaki casually adjusted his grip, using only his left hand to hold the wooden sword while resting his right hand calmly behind his back.
If I initiate the attack, he will counter instantly, Akira analyzed, keeping her feet firmly planted. I must wait for Father to make the first move.
"Hm. Wise move—refusing to strike blindly," Sasaki praised. In the next breath, he closed the distance with veteran speed.
He swept his wooden sword upward. Akira shifted her weight to parry, but Sasaki's wooden tip tapped her wrist with surgical force, breaking her guard. Before she could recover, he swept his foot against her front shin, sweeping her off-balance. Akira dropped to one knee on the gravel.
Sasaki offered a quiet smile. "Remember, Akira: in high-level swordplay, absolute balance and precision govern everything."
Akira gave a solemn nod, absorbing the lesson.
"Rise," Sasaki instructed. "And attack."
Akira stood up, resetting her breath.
Sasaki lunged forward again. This time, Akira read the trajectory and sidestepped the downward strike, letting his wooden sword bite into the earth.
She snapped a low kick toward his exposed forearm, but Sasaki shifted his leg seamlessly, blocking her shin with his knee. Akira immediately kicked off the ground, vaulting backward to create distance.
The moment her feet touched the soil, Sasaki was already in her guard, his wooden blade swinging in a horizontal sweep. Akira met the strike with her own steel. Sasaki backpaddled smoothly out of her reach.
"Your strikes are strong, Akira," Sasaki evaluated, lowering his sword. "However, your center of balance fractures under pressure."
"Father... how can I master my balance?" Akira asked, looking up earnestly.
Sasaki paused in thought. Perhaps... she is finally ready to...
"There is a method," Sasaki said slowly. "A sequence of sword forms."
Akira listened intently.
"It is known as Hideki's First Sequence—consisting of eight distinct steps," Sasaki explained. "For now, you will learn only the First Step. Master it while I am away."
"Are you leaving Japan, Father?" she asked.
Sasaki nodded. "An old acquaintance has organized a grand gathering in Canada, and I have been invited to attend." He raised his wooden sword once more, his posture transforming into something ethereal. "Now... watch every movement closely."
Present Day—The Grand Hall, Ottawa
Guests slowly drifted toward the lavish banquet tables as the catering service officially opened. Ethan picked up a plate, sliding into the line to grab a meal. Scanning the upper VIP balcony, he spotted Madison and Princess Victoria seated together at a private table, sharing drinks and laughing like lifelong companions.
Ethan let out a quiet sigh, piling food onto his plate before looking around the crowded floor. Jake was nowhere to be seen.
Nearby, Commander Sasaki sat at a quiet table, observing the festive crowd while dining alone.
I hope Akira grasps the mechanics behind the First Step, Sasaki mused silently, swirling his glass.
I want her to master all of Hideki's Sword Sequences... so that no one in this world can ever break her guard. Just as you were once unbeatable, Hideki. What I failed to achieve in my youth, I pray she accomplishes.
Sasaki exhaled softly. Executing those forms required flawless precision and absolute equilibrium. Akira's lethality was unquestionable, but without flawless balance, the highest sequences would remain out of reach—making the First Step the ideal foundation for her growth.
Leaning back in his chair, Sasaki took in the grand sights of the royal hall—the laughter, the music, and the gathering of powerful families from across the world.
A warm, nostalgic smile touched his face as his mind drifted back to a time decades past, when his own comrades and family stood united under one banner.
"The good old days..." Sasaki murmured softly to the quiet air.