Heavy snowfall ushered in the last month of training. It was the start of a new year, with the cold winter in full force. The sky remained cloudy most of the daytime and it got darker sooner. During that time, days were shorter and the chilly nights longer.
In the past months, the trio had progressed with their regimen and thoughts of returning to Kaminari lingered in their minds. They had become a lot stronger than when they first began. All thanks to Hanzo's tutelage, they had reached levels that could challenge their seniors back home.
"For this month... we're going to continue the kenjutsu training." Hanzo spoke to Kazuo, pausing briefly. "We'll focus mainly on elemental conduction and completing the remaining four katas during the day. In the evening, we'll look at Ajna meditation and Fudoshin activation."
Kazuo nodded, following along.
"Since time is no longer on our side, we will also increase our time in the shadow plane to six hours outside per day, which will give us four hundred and sixty-five days inside."
"Sensei?" Kazuo noted Hanzo's hands shaking.
Hanzo gulped down the rest of his saké and he stopped trembling. "It's just the cold... I'm alright."
"Oh-okay..." Kazuo furrowed his eyebrows.
"As I was saying before... I think you'll be ready by the end of the month. Are you still following?"
Kazuo nodded.
"Very well, let's begin. Similar to opening the seven chakras, the difficulty in conducting each element increases as you go up. Which means we will start with Dōjin, followed by Sūijin and Raijin.
When conducting an element, envision its chakra rotating in a clockwise motion and use its respective mudra to channel the flow of prana from that chakra to a part of your body. Lightning, as you will see, is a special case combining light and fire conduction."
"If I called each sword by name, won't it awaken? I once did it with Dōjin when I fought against Daichi and broke his sword. I remember saying this phrase from my great grandpa's memories. Fu–something."
"Funsai."
"Yes, that's it."
Alright. Let's see if my Zanken will break if you do what you did before but without using prana."
Kazuo grabbed the Earth blade and swung at his sensei. "Dōjin: Funsai!" he said, raising his voice.
Hanzo raised his Zanken with one hand.
The blades clashed with a loud clank. "Huh?" Kazuo noticed Zanken still intact. It didn't work?
"Dōjin does not want to come out and play, does he?" Hanzo chuckled. "Do you know why that is? The major difference between this moment and your previous fight in the Earth Country?"
"No... I dunno."
"What state were you in back then?"
"State?" Kazuo repeated. "Well, back then, I said to myself, if I didn't act in time… I would be dead!"
"Kazuo-kun, if you're going to rely on near-death experiences when fighting, you'll surely die when you battle a Shadow Master. A projector will not give you the chance to call out your sword by name. Nor will they wait for you to replenish your prana. So, conviction is everything. Your pranayama (breath control) and mental state are just as important."
"By the way, how did Zanken not break?"
"Using earth conduction, I imbued her blade with my prana, which resulted in earth amplification."
"That means you cheated?"
Hanzo chuckled. "I didn't say I wouldn't use any conduction. You see, the two swords were forged using the same type of steel but Dōjin's diamond tip would have shattered my blade had I not used earth amplification. Perfecting elemental conduction rather than relying on a sword god's awakening can be what determines the outcome of your future battles."
Realising time was no longer on his side, Kazuo worked on improving prana manipulation. As the days passed, conduction and amplification became second nature. In that time, he also mastered the remaining four basic katas. They reserved an hour every evening for Ajna meditation. He visualised an indigo sphere on his forehead while making the Chinmaya mudra with each hand. After the meditation, they proceeded to his shadow plane for Fudoshin activation and more swordplay training.
"The immovable mind spirit strengthens your resolve and fortifies your will. It's a state of total peace and calm in all situations. The first step to achieving this was when you fought against your shadow self."
Hanzo placed two fingers on his temple. "Fudoshin protects you against sicknesses of the mind. These are anger, fear, doubt and surprise. When you meditate, dwell on the things that make you experience any of those four without judgement."
Kazuo nodded, following attentively.
"This will be crucial when you encounter a shadow projector, as your resolve has to be unshakable."
☯
Towards the month's end, they had spent three hundred and sixty days within the dreamscape relative to the twenty-four outside. Kazuo had reached Fudoshin and balanced his Ajna. Those two meditations coupled with perfecting the basic kata had not been easy feats to accomplish.
When Kazuo first channeled prana into his Third Eye chakra, he saw how energy flowed through all things–living and nonliving. "Is this how you could see our auras?" he asked, looking at the latent green flames that surrounded his sensei.
"Affirmative. The Ajna allows a person to even see different auras and their respective colours."
Too bad this Ajna shit doesn't let me see through clothes. Kazuo closed his eyes and held the Chinmaya mudra above his forehead. He turned to his comrades, who were busy training. "Mikoto's aura is green and Takumi's aura is red."
Hanzo smiled, confirming with his own Ajna. "Indeed. How would you describe their aura shrouds in terms of brightness and control?"
"The red one is a bit brighter than the green..." Kazuo focused on Mikoto and Takumi as they went at the tree trunks. The kunoichi's attacks were rapid while the Artisan's took time to target one spot. "I think Mikoto has more control over her prana."
"Good catch. Now focus more on their trees and tell me what you see..." Hanzo shifted Kazuo after he had been staring at Mikoto's silhouette for too long.
As Kazuo did as he was told, he saw something. "It's faint but... the trees' auras match theirs." He opened his eyes and looked up at Hanzo. "Did–?"
"I use earth and air amplification on the trees?" Hanzo grinned, eyes shut and chuckled. "Yes, I did."
"That's why they haven't cut down the trees yet..."
Hanzo nodded. "If they can match that level of amplification... they'll eventually break through. Even though Mikoto has better concealment over her aura shroud, both of them have improved a great deal."
Kazuo smiled, seeing his colleague's progress.
"Since we're headed towards the last week, we can use this time to perfect your kenjutsu forms. You'll fight against me each day until you're able to disarm my Zanken. Understood?"
"Yes!" said Kazuo with a nod. "But sensei, why are we rushing? Can't I learn Senshin and the Crown chakra like we did with Fudoshin and the Third Eye?"
"Enlightenment is no easy feat, Kazuo-kun. It took me six years to reach Senshin and open Sahasrara. Furthermore, you need actual battle experience before fully perfecting your Zanshin, Mushin and Fudoshin, let alone learn Senshin."
"How will I be able to defeat the Shadow King?"
"Kagero mastered Mushin but can't use majutsu. His son, Kagemaru, is a shadow projector who fights at Fudoshin. However, the winter will be to your advantage since there isn't much sunlight to fuel Kagemaru's projections."
"What about myself?" Kazuo asked, grabbing his chin. "Don't I need the sun as well for conduction?"
"You do. Both of you will have to draw more prana than usual and that is where your vast reserves will shine." Hanzo unsheathed his sword and took a fighting stance. "As such, for the purposes of this training... I will fight you at Fudoshin level–"
"Oh!" said Kazuo, taking up a stance of his own with Raijin in hand. "Now it makes sense. If I can defeat you, I will be able to take on the Shadows."
Defeat me? This kid! Hanzo chuckled. "Well then, come at me with all you've got. I won't hold back!"
Kazuo gripped Raijin with both hands and charged towards Hanzo at full speed. "HAAA!"
The gap between their swordsmanship was too big to ignore. Hanzo blocked every kata that Kazuo threw at him without a sweat. Several hours later, they stopped and joined the others for lunch. After they ate, they resumed training until the sun set.
With only seven days left, Kazuo focused on perfecting his lightning conduction. He had already learnt Dōjin and Sūijin's basic attacks but still could not even graze Hanzo. Each moment, he realised it would take a lot more to master Fudoshin. So that's what he meant about battle experience?
"Don't let your mind wander. Focus on Zanken... focus on me!" Hanzo appeared behind Kazuo, placing Zanken's blade on his shoulder. "Again!"
At first, Kazuo found secondary element conduction challenging. They used his shadow plane to buy time and practice rotating two chakras simultaneously. After four days, which was two months in his dreamscape, he finally understood it. When he conjured a white flash for one second, he jumped to his feet and screamed.
On the last day of training, Kazuo charged with sparks of light around Raijin's blade and almost caught Hanzo by surprise. His movements were faster and the chokutō felt like an extension of him.
"You almost had me..." Hanzo veered backward. Huh? He halted, seeing his haori torn. "Nice–"
Raijin: Kanden (Raijin: Electrocution)!
Kazuo's chokutō exploded with lightning as he appeared behind Hanzo. The Kensei thought fast, swirling midair to block his attack. Electrical sparks muffled the clanks as Zanken flew upward. Seconds later, the katana dropped to the ground. Victory.
Hanzo stood with his jaw wide open and smiled. "Yeah... that was perfect! You're now ready..."
At that moment, Mikoto and Takumi stopped their combat training and rushed to see Kazuo's win.
"You did it!" she smiled.
"Congratulations..." said Takumi with a light nod.
Kazuo thanked his colleagues before embracing them. As the trio were busy cheering each other on, Hanzo cleared his throat and they quieted.
"I'd say that concludes our training. I'm glad you all managed to accomplish your tasks in record time."
Mikoto and Takumi had completed their tree felling two days prior. She had cut down four other trees imbued with Hanzo's prana. Meanwhile, Takumi's tally was three. For the last day, they fought each other. Mikoto won six out of the seven matches.
During the last supper, they all reminisced about their time in Yamaguchi. Talking made the meal taste bearable. They thanked Hanzo for the lessons and hoped they could stay longer. The next morning, they would set out for Kaminari as full-fledged ninjas.
Nightfall flew past and soon enough it was sunrise. Hanzo woke them and they packed their stuff. Once they were done, he accompanied them by carriage. They spent much of the trip to Yamaguchi and Shimane's border in silence. On arrival, he got off.
"It's been an intriguing six months with you three. Mikoto-chan, I hope you become the strongest kunoichi, not only in the Lightning region but in all of Nihon. As for Takumi-kun, I know you'll become a Grand Artisan. I do hope to read your piece on pranayama and majutsu someday." He smiled.
"Thank you, Hanzo-sensei..." Mikoto and Takumi turned to each other after speaking at the same time.
Hanzo paused for a moment, unable to stop himself from shedding a tear. The trio moved closer and hugged him. "Lastly, Kazuo-kun, I hope you find solace and remember that vengeance is never the answer. Use what you have learnt responsibly and protect one another… goodbye."
"Sensei," Mikoto chuckled. "Are you crying?"
Hanzo sniffled. "There was something in my eye..."
Mikoto, Kazuo and Takumi burst into laughter.
Hanzo joined in.
They thanked him for the last time before saying farewell. After the emotional goodbyes, they got into their carriage and rode off into the distance.
The trio had already piled up supplies to last the return trip. Their journey home would have taken ten days but snow had piled up–adding another four days. Luckily, they did not encounter any other issues along the way. On the fourteenth morning, they reached their destination, tired from the voyage.
"We're here..." Takumi stared at the village wall as it drew closer into view. He drove the carriage under the cover of dense forests as they slowed to a stop.
"Home," said Mikoto, feeling a mix of emotions. She got out, carrying the Earth blade on her back.
Kazuo lowered his orange scarf. "Right… let's go!" He fastened Raijin and Sūijin to his waist.
"Not yet..." Takumi was the last to exit the carriage. He carried a satchel with some of their essentials. "The main gate has to be swarming with ninjas."
"So, what do you suggest?" asked Mikoto.
"I'd say... the black water line will do."
Mikoto's face turned green as she cringed. "Bl–black water? Anything but that!"
"It's just a bit of shit, Mikoto..." said Kazuo, chuckling. "Unless you've got a better plan."
She did not. So, Takumi's plan it was.
The trio crept around the perimeter wall while hiding behind white bushes covered with snow. Takumi led the way and a rising stench confirmed they were on track. Towards the back of the wall, they reached an opening secured with iron bars. A frozen sewage stream ran outside into the outskirts.
"I doubt that the ice can hold us..." Mikoto covered her nose with a red scarf. And the smell! Ew!
Kazuo unsheathed Sūijin and pointed it at the stream. He made the Varuna mudra and exhaled steam through his orange scarf. Koore (Freeze)! On command, the top layer of ice thickened and he stepped on it. He then cut through the bars with Sūijin's icy blade. "Let's go," he said, entering.
Takumi and Mikoto followed.
Kazuo scanned the open area. It was quiet without a person in sight. "So, where to from here?"
"We can't go to the school for obvious reasons," said Mikoto, rubbing her hands together. "It's probably swarming with Shadow ninjas."
Takumi adjusted his glasses. "Indeed. We'll have to go to Shin's residence. Since he notified us of the attack, he could help coordinate a counter-coup." He turned to Kazuo. "Cover your hair with the scarf."
"Right."
Mikoto saw Kazuo struggling and helped wrap the orange cloth around his head. The two followed Takumi's lead as they walked through abandoned alleyways–avoiding any ninjas clad in black.
After some moments, they reached the place and Takumi knocked on the door. They heard footsteps walking towards the door with muffled grunts.
The door creaked open and Shin yawned. "Who could that b–?" he said, wiping his baggy eyes. "Huh? What are you guys doing back here?"