Old man Masanori saw the hope and spark in the boys and accepted to be the teacher of all seven of them.
He said, "Follow me." His house was near the forest.
No soldiers were near his house, but the path was full of thorns and sharp rocks, bushes.
And he said loudly, "Kids, your life will be full of thorns, stones, full of obstacles.
From now on, nothing is easy and there is no shortcut."
The seven kids shuffled through the overgrown path, eyes wide at the sight of Masanori's house a half-collapsed structure leaning like it might fall over any moment.
"This is… your dojo?" Benjiro whispered, snickering.
Masanori grunted. "This is home. And soon, your school of suffering."
As they stepped inside, a young girl with sharp eyes peeked from behind a torn curtain.
Masanori waved her forward.
"Hana, say hello."
Hana smiled politely, then darted back, leaving the kids whispering questions about the granddaughter of the mysterious old man.
He introduced, "She is Hana, my granddaughter.
Her parents are either lost, killed, or made slaves in great nations.
But this small innocent soul is alone, and as long as her grandfather is alive no one can make her cry. You understand?"
And Hana gave a smile seeing them.
Masanori led them into a dimly lit room. "Watch closely," he said, lifting a tatami mat.
Dust swirled as he pushed it aside, revealing a secret chamber. Inside, six blades gleamed in the muted sunlight, wrapped in silk cloth, each one meticulously cared for.
"These were gifts from old friends, warriors long gone.
And this worn, scratched sword is Shirayashi." He tied it to his belt, holding it from the start.
"My daily companion. Don't underestimate it."
Kaede leaned forward, eyes gleaming.
And in one go, he explained about all swords:
Katana: The classic curved sword of the samurai, prized for its cutting power.
Wakizashi: A samurai sword, shorter, often paired with the katana or bow and arrow, for close combat. And also used in committing ritual suicide.
Tanto: A mid-size dagger used for stabbing and self-defense, piercing the armour of the enemy, and good while grappling also.
Nagamaki: A long-handled sword designed for powerful, sweeping attacks.
Nodachi: A massive, two-handed battlefield sword for fighting cavalry.
Ninjato: The ninja's favourite, straight-bladed sword for stealthy, quick strikes.
Masanori chuckled. "Ah, a sharp mind in a sharper world. Very well at least one of you brats is smart."
Ryu murmured, "Is this good, to be nerdy every time?" looking at Kaede.
Kenta, with a deep voice, said, "Sensei, tell more about the story of these swords and the past wielders. How are they connected to you?"
Old man said, "Not now. When the time comes, I'll tell."
Masanori muttered, a rare smile on his weathered face.
Benjiro, unable to resist, leaned over and whispered loudly, "Old man! Old man!"
PUNCH! Masanori's hand connected squarely with Benjiro's head.
"If you recklessly try to hold them, it will cut your hands in half!"
The boy stumbled, yelping. Laughter erupted from the other kids.
Even Hana peeked out, smirking.
"Call me Sensei!" Masanori barked.
Benjiro rubbed his head. "Sensei… Grandpa Sensei?"
Masanori groaned, shaking his head, but the corner of his mouth twitched.
"You're hopeless."
Suddenly, Haruki frowned, pointing at the blades. "Wait… there are six. Weren't there seven? We are seven individuals here, how will all get?"
Masanori's eyes twinkled.
"Ah, the seventh isn't here… yet. Some things you cannot rush.
You think these six blades are for you seven? In your dreams.
A sword chooses its wielder, not the other way around. Not now, not today."
The kids glanced at each other, awe mixing with confusion and curiosity.
Masanori sheathed Shirayashi.
"Training begins. Blades are dreams for now, not reality. Patience, precision, and strength that is your current prize."
As they lined up for the first lesson, the old man's grin returned. "Tomorrow, you'll see if you can survive my methods…"
Ryu said, "What a drag."
Old man made his eyes big and said, "Or just survive being hit by me."
Benjiro muttered, "I think I like this Sensei after all."