Several months had passed since Ryouma began his relentless training. The manor had grown accustomed to the steady rhythm of disciplined footsteps and the faint echo of wooden swords clashing across the training grounds. One crisp morning, a message arrived that brought a rare smile to Lady Akane's lips _ Lady Sayaka was coming to visit, accompanied by her children.
As soon as the carriage doors opened, Takeshi and Rika leapt out, their laughter bouncing off the stone walls. They darted through the corridors, calling in unison:
"Brother! Brother…...where are you?"
Lady Sayaka covered her mouth, giggling at her children's exuberance. Watching them dash about, carefree and full of energy, reminded her of simpler days. For a moment, the weight of her responsibilities felt lighter.
Lady Akane, momentarily distracted from her own work, looked up and hurried forward. Seeing Sayaka, she set aside her tasks to greet her guest properly.
The manor, however, struck Sayaka as unusually silent. Her brows furrowed. Something is..… off, she thought, her intuition prickling.
Guiding lady sayaka through the grand hall, Lady Akane led Sayaka away from wandering eyes and the playful shouts of children.
"Where is Ryouma?" Sayaka asked, scanning the room anxiously. His absence was immediately noticeable.
"He's at the training ground," Akane replied softly. "It's been months now. He never misses a day. His dedication is….. relentless."
Sayaka's eyes widened in surprise. "Training? At seven years old? And you never mentioned this?"
Akane smiled faintly, a mixture of pride and weariness in her expression. "He tells me not to worry. He listens quietly while Toshi guides him, and that's enough."
"Toshi?" Sayaka echoed, leaning forward. "The soldier training him?"
"Yes," Akane confirmed. "He trains alongside Ryouma, teaching him swordsmanship, discipline, control..… even how to manage his ki energy."
Sayaka's expression shifted, disbelief mingling with curiosity. "And the other soldiers? What do they think?"
"They thought it was useless at first. Some mocked him quietly," Akane explained, her gaze steady. "But now..… every soldier in the manor follows his routine. Many even wish to become his subordinate."
"All of them? And Ryouma….. leads them? But….. he's just a child!"
Akane's tone carried quiet admiration. "Perhaps a child. But the way he masters skills that take others years….. it's astonishing. Toshi calls him a 'monster,' not out of fear, but awe. He's never seen anyone like Ryouma."
Sayaka stood silently, trying to reconcile the mischievous boy she remembered with this disciplined prodigy. "I….. I never imagined he could be this capable," she murmured. "Even I thought he was talented, but this..… this is beyond anything I expected."
Lady Akane placed a gentle hand on Sayaka's shoulder. "He is remarkable, yes. But he is still Ryouma_ gentle, thoughtful, and kind. You will see it yourself when you meet him after training."
Meanwhile, Takeshi and Rika continued to run through the halls, their laughter echoing like sunlight. Yet for Lady Sayaka, the weight of Akane's words lingered. The playful boy she once knew had grown into something far more extraordinary_ yet still carried the warmth that made him her stepson.
Lady Sayaka's eyes shone with anticipation as she prepared to visit the training ground. Today, she would finally see Ryouma's progress for herself. Seeing her mother moving purposefully toward the courtyard, Takeshi and Rika insisted on accompanying her, bounding eagerly along the polished corridors.
Lady Sayaka chuckled softly, gathering the children in a gentle embrace, while Lady Akane led the way, her steps measured and calm.
As they walked, the usual sounds of the manor_ footsteps, hushed voices, and the occasional clink of dishes_ were punctuated by an unusual sight. Every maid and servant they passed lowered their heads immediately, quickening their pace, as though a silent fear pressed upon them.
At first, nothing seemed overtly wrong, yet the intensity in the servants' eyes was unmistakable. Lady Sayaka's brows furrowed in concern. "Akane..… why do the servants move like this? They look..… afraid, as if someone had threatened them."
Lady Akane's lips curved in a half-smile, half-frown, a mixture of pride and unease. "I don't fully understand it myself. From what I've observed, it's Ryouma. His presence, the authority he carries..… it leaves an impression stronger than that of any adult."
Sayaka's eyes widened. "Wait..… you're saying this seven-year-old_ this child_ instills fear in the servants?"
Akane nodded quietly. "It seems so. And..… now that I reflect on it..… it's reminiscent of what we witnessed at the sacred temple. That cold, commanding presence_ it's beginning to manifest in him."
Sayaka's mind raced, recalling the memory of that day _the unyielding gaze, the aura of authority that had seemed almost unnatural. A shiver ran down her spine. "So..… what we saw before..… it's not just a fleeting moment? Ryouma is showing the same presence here?"
Lady Akane's eyes softened, tinged with both awe and uncertainty. "I can't explain it fully. Even I don't understand it completely. All I know is that in his eyes, I see the same depth_ the same focus, the same….. intensity. And yet, at other times, he is still the gentle, caring boy we know."
Sayaka paused, taking in the weight of the revelation. After a moment, she whispered, "Then….. I suppose we'll only understand once we see him on the training ground. Nothing will make sense until then."
Akane nodded faintly, a quiet smile on her lips. "Yes. We'll watch him in action. Perhaps then the pieces will fall into place. For now..… we observe, quietly, and try to grasp what cannot yet be explained."
The two ladies continued their walk, Takeshi and Rika flitting about their feet, unaware of the subtle tension that hung in the air. The manor's usual serenity felt altered, the quiet weight of Ryouma's presence already making itself known, even before they reached the training ground. Anticipation and unease wove through the halls like an unspoken current, and both women knew that when they finally met him, the truth of Ryouma's transformation would reveal itself in full.
The clang of wooden swords reverberated across the training ground_ a rhythmic symphony of discipline and exertion. Ryouma and Toshi moved in near-perfect harmony; each strike and parry was a testament to countless hours of practice. Sweat glistened on Ryouma's young face, yet his movements were controlled, precise, and almost unnatural in their fluidity.
Suddenly, a burst of voices shattered the rhythm.
"Yaaaay! Brother! Brother! You're here!"
Takeshi and Rika, brimming with energy, sprinted across the courtyard, their laughter spilling freely. Ryouma froze mid-strike, a flicker of surprise crossing his features.
"Are….. you two here?" he asked, astonished.
Before he could react further, Lady Akane and Lady Sayaka appeared, walking gracefully toward the training ground. At their arrival, every soldier instinctively paused, forming orderly lines. Heads bowed, swords gripped tightly, the air thickened with disciplined attention.
Lady Akane's voice rang out, calm yet firm. "Continue your training. Focus on every movement_ it is important."
Lady Sayaka, a martial master herself, observed keenly. She had seen many talents in her lifetime, yet even she noted the subtle transformation among the soldiers. Once ordinary, they now carried strength, precision, and composure far beyond what she had expected. A small, almost mischievous smile tugged at her lips. How much influence has this child had on them? she wondered, marveling silently.
Ryouma, noticing Lady Sayaka, stepped forward respectfully. "I apologize, Lady Sayaka. I did not expect your visit, or I would have prepared in advance."
Sayaka's smile was soft, yet her gaze sharp. "Do not worry, Ryouma. Seeing you train_ so focused, so disciplined_ is more than enough. But….. to begin training at such a young age, and with this intensity..… I am truly astonished."
Ryouma's brow furrowed slightly, humility coloring his tone. "I am not truly talented, Lady Sayaka. You speak far too highly of me."
"Do not lie, child," she said, her gaze steady and kind. "Even now, it is evident. Your strength, your control, your understanding….. it surpasses what many could hope to achieve. And you..…" Her gaze shifted toward Toshi, who stood poised and attentive. "Toshi Takahashi. You have mastered your ki energy, haven't you?"
Toshi's expression remained composed, though a flicker of pride showed. "Yes, Lady Sayaka. I can control my ki..… but nothing beyond that."
Sayaka's eyes widened, impressed. "Ki alone….. and yet you've reached such a level? Remarkable. You are diligent, Toshi. Maintain this pace, and your progress will surpass even your own expectations. Remember to also guide Ryouma_ discipline and focus must grow together."
Toshi inclined his head solemnly. "Understood, Lady Sayaka. I will fulfill my duty."
Turning back to Ryouma, Sayaka's eyes softened, yet her voice carried a challenge. "Ryouma, prepare for a spar. Today, you will test your skills fully. Do you understand?"
A collective gasp rippled through the soldiers. Whispers passed between them_ a spar with Lady Sayaka?_ but none dared speak aloud. Even Toshi's eyes widened at the audacity of the moment.
Ryouma's expression remained composed, a small, determined smile tugging at his lips. "Understood. I will do my best."
The clamor of wooden swords faded slightly, the air itself seeming to hold its breath. All eyes were on the young master_a child so small in frame, yet immense in presence_ about to face one of the greatest martial minds of their time.
For a heartbeat, the world seemed to pause. The moment was electric, charged with tension. Today, Ryouma's journey, skill, and control would be tested like never before.
Lady Sayaka emerged onto the training ground, her attire changed to a form-fitting outfit suitable for sparring. The soldiers' excitement was palpable_ they had waited eagerly to witness her martial prowess firsthand. Clutching her wooden sword, she approached the field with an air of graceful authority. Ryouma, already prepared, stood poised, his crimson eyes glinting with anticipation.
"Ryouma," Sayaka said firmly, "do not hold back. Use your full power today. Show me the results of all your training."
"Yes, Lady Sayaka," Ryouma replied, tightening his grip on his sword. In an instant, he launched himself forward, the tip of his blade slicing the air with precise ferocity.
Sayaka met his strike with a solid block. The clash of wood rang sharply across the courtyard. Ryouma's lips curled into a small smile. "Just as I thought_ from a martial master."
He feinted, then swung from the right side, testing her reaction. "Impressive," she murmured under her breath, deflecting his attack with ease. Their swords clashed again and again, each strike faster than the last, Ryouma gradually closing the distance between them.
Sayaka's eyes sparkled with interest, recognizing the boy's technique and intuition. She delivered a stronger, more forceful strike, testing his limits. Ryouma staggered back slightly, feeling the impact, yet his resolve did not waver.
He focused inward, channeling ki energy to enhance his body_ speed, agility, and strength surged through him. Sayaka's eyes widened as she struggled to keep pace, blocking strike after strike. At such a young age..… such skill, she thought, astonished.
Ryouma executed a straight, powerful strike. Sayaka attempted to block_ but in an instant, he vanished from her line of sight.
"Afterimage!" Sayaka exclaimed, her amber eyes widening. Ryouma reappeared behind her, launching a sudden ambush. She reacted quickly, yet even her expert defense could not disguise her surprise.
Ryouma continued, his attacks a blur of ki-infused sword strikes. Sayaka countered, blocking with skill, but could only momentarily hold him at bay. Each maneuver revealed his growing mastery of ki and combat intuition.
"You're hiding your full power, aren't you?" she said, her voice tinged with both challenge and amusement.
Ryouma's breath quickened as he released more energy, mana and ki intertwining in a brilliant surge. His body moved faster, strikes sharper, almost overwhelming the senses. He conjured a magical circle beneath him by using mana which he made a mana core, unleashing an ice-infused attack. Soldiers gasped, unable to comprehend the sudden display. Even Sayaka had to step back to avoid the unexpected spell.
She smiled, entertained, her eyes glowing amber as her own aura flared. Blue energy radiated outward, a shockwave rippling across the courtyard. Ryouma held his sword ready, meeting her full power head-on. Sparks flew with each clash, their combined might shaking the ground beneath them.
The soldiers erupted into cheers, shouting in unison: "Young Master! Young Master! Young Master!" Their voices carried awe and excitement. Sayaka's lips curved into a menacing, proud smile. "Indeed, Ryouma. You have won their hearts. Let's see how long you can endure today," she said, flicking her sword in a playful, yet deadly gesture.
Ryouma prepared his magic shield, focusing his energy, but Sayaka's strike was overwhelming. The shield shattered under the force, sending him flying back seven paces. He hit the ground hard, dazed. The soldiers' faces reflected pure shock_ no one could process the speed and power they had just witnessed.
Sayaka knelt beside him briefly, assessing his condition with a thoughtful smile. "Toshi, take him back to the manor," she instructed softly. He is thinking ahead even while defending. One day….. he will be an excellent leader.
Her eyes lingered on the young master, glowing faintly with energy, as she considered the remarkable fusion of talent, intelligence, and determination she had just witnessed.