Pious Toshiero

Alas, I awoke from my slumber.

I groaned, as I tried to move my body around. The bruises, cuts, and injuries. I failed, to feel them prior, they were catching up to me. The tips of my fingertips are covered in what was my blood, which has dried. I wanted to get up, but my weary body could not summon the strength, to do so.

I could not tell, how long I had been asleep. The sun’s as bright as ever, I guess; it’s noon. Once, I am able to move, I will tear master apart, for putting me through such an ordeal.

Heck, I nearly died!

A drop of water, would be great. If only, I could get up. Why did I pick here of all places, to slumber in? There’s not a single tree, to give me shade, oh well.

There is not much that I can do, huh? I guess, it does not hurt, to rest here, til I get my strength back. This is probably the most rest, I will get under that grouch; I might as well make the most of it, hey some shade, at last...

But to Kosuke’s surprise, it was not shade; it was somebody, who attempted to kill the sleeping prodigy! He evaded it, last minute. The presence of such energy would not go unfelt, or unseen, by Kosuke. A speck of energy is enough to be seen by his eyes, the genetical gift of the Nawaki’s, one of the great families, to which his heritage is tied too.

“Huh, I thought that would have killed you. Even in your pathetic state, you remain quite capable. Who the hell are you? A weakling, like you, could not be pursuing me,” said Toshiero.

Feeling insulted, he quickly got up, forgetting his state. He got into a stance, barking back, “Pathetic state? Who do you think you are talking to? I should be the one asking the questions here! You just tried, to drill that sword into my head just now!”

“I felt four strange energy signatures; at the moment, I am unable to trust my surroundings, especially with energy signatures, like yours," Toshiero said, "it was my assumption, you were one of those, I could not trust. Seeing you up close, I have nothing to fear. You climbed up this mountain, huh? Look at that body of yours, kid, all worn and fucked up! You are no Retta; if you were that worn out, by some mere mountain, hahaha!"

"I will have you know, I am not one to patronized! If you think, I am going to let you loose, after the crap you tried to pull, you are sorely mistaken!" said Kosuke.

"Oh," Toshiero said, "and do you realize, who you are talking to? I am part of the Retta clan, which commands respect and influence throughout the region! In addition to that, I am a high-ranking soldier of the 1st branch, despite my age. So, if you wish to rethink your words, as a benevolent warrior, I will allow you to redact your statements -!"

Right before the kid could finish his bravado talk, Kosuke pointed his index and middle finger toward him, using his gravitational pull to bring him forward, where he landed, a powerful onto the youthful Retta's solar plex!

The youthful Retta puked out blood on impact, but he was no slouch, quickly regaining his composure. Regathering his steps, Toshiero became attentive to his surroundings, right before he could lock on Kosuke, he appeared before him. In terror, Toshiero stood there like a deer caught in headlights, Kosuke delivered a brutal barrage of punches, to the point; it looked as if he had sprung out multiple arms. There was no end to his barrages, Toshiero thought, how could a weakling that was immobile moments ago, spring out power, like this?

However, Kosuke ran out of gas, releasing his technique, which gave Toshiero the breathing room that he needed. The experienced soldier fled, from his opponent's sight, trying to recover. Fleeing for refuge, he hops from tree to tree, till he reaches the tallest tree nearby.
Quenching onto his abdomen, he mutters, "What power was that? He brought them towards him, and there were also those punches. They were not ordinary punches, a couple of my ribs were broken. I will manage, but if I could just have one minute..."

Like a lion, he locks onto his prey, Kosuke easily spots him; instead of retrieving his prey, from atop, instead, he unleashes his most powerful technique, creating his signature gravitational orb. Swirling it around the vicinity, it would quickly engulf the entire forest, forcing Toshiero to abandon his high ground!

"You're kidding me," Toshiero exclaimed, "He can do that too? Of all the people to run into, I decided to pick a fight with him! Let this be a lesson, Toshiero, do not pick on others!"

Kosuke brought his hands together, where he began to chant and form hand signs, which was to keep the orb swirling around on its own. Having done that, he trailed his prey, yelling out to the heavens, "There's nowhere for you to run, coward! If I were not worn out, you would be one with the earth again, dumbass!"

'On second thought', Toshiero thought, 'I will not abandon the high ground, it seems the orb is not quick in pulling through the matter. This will be your undoing, come for my head then!'

"Tch," Kosuke grouched, "He's having me chase him around still? What a bitch!"

In an attempt to buy time, Toshiero hopped tree to tree, once more. From his pocket, he grabbed onto a sunstone, struggling to move around. With each step, Toshiero's footing was becoming weak!

Seconds away from reaching him, Toshiero turned back, and yelled out to the heavens, as if something were to save him, "You, who rule the skies! Messenger of Helios, I beseech thee! With sunstone, I summon you here! Once more, I require your service! Enter the mortal realm, once more, almighty Thunder Bird!"

The stone at once would burst, as from it, a great energy entered the scene! The atmosphere of the weather shifted, as thunder struck the forest nearby, catching the attention of the Younger Kosuke. However, his curiosity would prove fatal, as he had failed to realize, what had been summoned had taken its form!

The creature locked onto its target, dashing towards the bewidler Younger Kosuke; it struck him, electrifying him in the process, which left him stunned in place! Grinning at the opportunity, Toshiero brought his hands together into a prayer, saying, "An opportunity like this does not present itself, so often, I will save myself the hassle and put you down."

However, Toshiero would not have such a pleasure, as right on time, Hideaki appears and slaps the boy's hand, disrupting the technique that would have taken the life of the Younger Kosuke.

"Am I glad, to have arrived on time," Hideaki said, "a technique, like that, would have killed my pupil, but you knew that."

"This man, he's the one I felt," Toshiero murmured, "no, he is not alone. The other two are here too, so this straggler had company, after all."

Slapping the sense out of the boy, Hideaki once more said, "Did you know what you were doing?"

"Hands off," Toshiero barked, "I knew, and I did not want this. It was your pupil, who made me turn to this."

"Fair point," Hideaki said, "he tends to be like that, but I cannot let you loose, child; a powerhouse, like you, needs to be monitored."

"Monitored? Look mister, I have no parents left, to instruct me," Toshiero said, "and it sure will not be you, who will instruct me."

"Yeah, what do you mean, by monitored," Kosuke asked, "do not tell me, you are planning to do, what I think you are?"

"Hmmm," Hideaki said, "It is not a terrible idea, another training partner for you, and another student, for me."

"No way," Toshiero exclaimed, " I will not become another of you people! I was made for greater things, not to be a student of some lunatic in the woods!"

Gripping onto the boy's shoulder, Hideaki chuckled, "I am not giving you a choice, you will be my student. If you wish not to be, test your sword against mine and prove yourself! Oh, what a beautiful kimono, is that the crest of the Retta?"

"It is, and what is it to you?" said Toshiero.

"Nothing much, kid," Hideaki said, "fate just has a weird way of putting your past into your face, but to answer your question; I am also of Retta heritage. I am the son of Retta Isamu, does it ring a bell?"

"Son of Isamu," Toshiero gulped, "you must be the one who was left behind!"

Before, he could blurt more of my origins, I slapped the tongue out of the kid. Anyhow, this would be: how I acquired my fourth pupil. It was not out of responsibility, but he was the perfect addition to the group. Also, a kid like him, likely possessed the knowledge of the outside world.

Formalties between students come first, so I would find it difficult, to integrate a new camper into our happy camp of four.

As we arrived back to camp, the daughters of Master, hesitated on approaching the new kid. On the other hand, Toshiero could not keep his hands off Himari, as he was impressed at her physique. I noticed this, and said, "Hey, kid, if you are going to get friendly, introduce yourself to the girls."

"Introduce myself? I thought, I said that I would not join, you people," Toshiero said, "you may be my senior, but I have nothing to learn from you! I am as great, as anybody can be!"

"As great as anybody can be? Is that true? If you were great, you would not have been brought to your knees, by this idiot here," Hideaki said, "to think, you would use Realm, to neutralize him, how pathetic!"

"I was caught off guard," Toshiero snarled, "I was taught, to handle business and ask questions later!"

"Sounds about right, the Retta have that habit of instilling that into their members," Hideaki said, "however, it just shows that you lack control of yourself."

"Hold on, what is a realm?" said Himari.

"Yeah, I never heard him mention it; is that a new technique?" said Kosuke.

"Wait, he's never told you," Toshiero said, "you people are novices! It's the pinnacle of one's natural affinity, and you do not know about it?"

"Seriously? All this time, we have been running around in circles, wasting our time! I demand, an explanation out of you, master!"

Scratching his head, Hideaki sighed, "A technique like that takes more time to learn, and did you have to blurt that out, kid? I was surprised to see him do it, but it's likely imperfect. Kosuke and Himari, neither of you have honed your techniques to the next level, to even attempt that. Plus, it's not something that I can teach anyone, it's something unique to you and only you."

"He's right," Toshiero said, "I do not like you, Kosuke, was it; but I must admit, you have possibilities. Do not dream of being my equal, though."

“You talk a lot, for a guy, who had to run from our fight, to even launch an attack!” said Kosuke.

“Running? I was buying time! Big difference! A moron, like you, would not know anything about strategy!” said Toshiero.

The two went at it again, like some feral dogs. However, I put an end to it, before it got worse, as I reminded Kosuke, "Do I need to remind you, Kosuke, of how to properly behave?"

"No," said Kosuke.

"Okay," Hideaki said, "and you, kid, introduce yourself. State your name and age. Like it, or not, I am your master now. These three are your comrades now, but surely you would reconsider your statement prior? Would you miss the opportunity to be taught, by the Son of Isamu?"

"I would not, but the thing is, I am on the run," Toshiero admitted, "I left the clan, without letting the head know, and I have been evading them. It's only a matter of time, before they send their best, and I would not want to invite you into it, mister."

"Huh, your situation makes a lot more sense now," Hideaki said, "If that's what holds you back, do not worry, I am the strongest of the land!"

"I heard," Toshiero said, "There are stories of your great power, and there's nobody in this world as swift, as you. It's an honor to be around another Retta, especially one, as great as you. I bow to you, and confess that you, Hideaki, are one of the strongest to come out of our family."

"Hold your tongue, boy," Hideaki said, "I will not allow, you to hold your head that low. Do you think I care for such praise of mortal men? Address me like, the ordinary flesh and bone that I am."

"Of course," Toshiero said, "It will not happen again, sir."

"Anyhow, will you be my disciple? It will not be easy, and I cannot guarantee you, a good quality of life. However, I can guarantee you, my friendship and the pursuit of the good."

"If you can help me, I will accept," Toshiero said, "I hope to not disappoint you, but one day, I will make a name for myself. A name not tied to my heritage, but a name that I will earn with my sword. The name, Toshiero, will be remembered for the years, to come."

"Ambitious, but I like it," Hideaki said, "Let us begin, some training."

Toshiero's noble character was something that would be noticed, by me and the kids. His mannerism and knowledge of their master was something, not even they possessed. Behind all that pride and charade, he is a mere thirteen-year-old boy, whose dream is to be known, for his merits and not the prestige of his family. As an additional disciple, I had my hands full now. 

This was not my only trouble. The black sheep of siblings would soon surprise her siblings. In the span of twenty-two months, they would finally be hitting the strides, I always wanted them to. Kosuke’s become stronger with the addition of Toshiero! He’s helped him, address his flaws and even explained to him, how he could expand his technique. Himari has managed to adjust to her innate technique, and has acquired a couple of spirits in the forest. Last month, we sparred, I believe she had around four in her arsenal! Toshiero, I did not have much, to teach him, but I managed to have him, hone his skill with the sword, to much greater heights. However, my main center of focus is, Maki. Reaching the age of seven years old, she’s finally ready for some training!

If I recall, we had an interesting moment between us. How did I do, again? Ah, I remember now. Kicking the dirt, Maki said, "I am just not satisfied, Hideaki. If only, I had strength like them, something else to rely on. A sword is something that I could use."

“Huh, you want a sword? Why?” said Hideaki.

“I have no technique, Hideaki," Maki said, "I cannot do what the others can. They have their techniques, but I can only strengthen my body with aura."

"Do you not wish, to rely on the martial arts, to fight," Hideaki said, "Until, we can figure out your technique, it might be wise to also train you in the art of the sword. I offered, the opportunity to your sister and brother, but they both refused. None of them seemed interested in honoring the legacy of your father by the sword. If you insist, I will offer it to you.”

“Really? Thank you, Hideaki!” said Maki.

“Of course, I will not refuse such a request. If it’s a sword you want, I will hand it to you. If there’s anything, I want you to inherit from me, it will be this,” said Hideaki.

“Seriously? But I cannot take, what I have not earned. You must have fought many great people with this," Maki said, "I don’t know... if I want to take it.”

“Indeed, I have fought the best of the best with that sword. You have not earned it? If you wish to do that, take it," Hideaki said, "Prove to me, that you are worthy of inheriting everything, from me. If I have to be honest, you are my true successor, Maki."

My words motivated her, she grabbed ahold of the sword, struggling a bit to wield it. I have taught her the basics; I attempted this prior, when those two were climbing the mountain. I had a feeling, Maki, could be taught and I was right. She was able to harness her aura, but it was not great enough, to even enhance her body. So, I gave up and decided to wait a year and a half, for the next attempt.

In these four months, I was able, to teach her the basics quicker than her siblings. It’s only then I realized that this brat, also hailed from one of the five great clans. My Master sure did try his best, to pass on his seed before he died. A desperate attempt, to create a child who can succeed him? Maybe. He succeeded with his prodigal son and eldest daughter, so why the third child?

That was what I asked myself, and I realized why. Maki hails from the Ishikawa, a family that my rival, Iwasaki Banri, also hails from. I should have noticed it earlier, but her features are unmistakable. The black hair and abnormal physical prowess, what a fool I was, for not seeing this.

On the topic of the clans, I should mention the others.

The Nawaki, are a family who specializes in their techniques and each member is capable of ocular abilities that grant them perception and greater insight of aura. In special cases, they are said to produce a fighter every couple hundred years, who can reach the heights of a god. It just happened, this time such a gem was born and they had no idea about it.

The Retta, are a similar bunch, I do not think, they are much different. However, these people value techniques and swordsmanship overall! They are quick, to exile members, who show no promise to be part of their military branches. One’s status is decided at birth.

The Fujiwara, are a clan that specializes in creating tools. They create tools, by imbuing them with their own energy; sometimes imbued with techniques. On top of creating the best enchanters, they are capable of specializing in the weaponry department. They are a tough crowd to pick a fight with, and their knowledge of limiters helps them enhance their techniques.

If one wishes to learn, how to apply a limiter, one must learn from a member of the Fujiwara.

Lastly, the Tachibana. The family, where Himari owes her heritage too. They are said, to not be as much of brutes, or to entertain the idea of techniques. The Tachibana’s respect has been earned in their intellect, and their knowledge of realms. Throughout the war, run-on-sight orders were always given, if one was to spot an individual wearing the Tachibana’s crest.

A member of the Tachibana, is capable of wiping out an entire cavalry, with just a simple realm casting. It’s a supreme technique that is not accessible to many.

It’s only a matter of time, until Himari, can cast a realm. However, in response to such a skill, every clan, and individual who is unable to cast a realm, created a technique to nullify the effects of a realm.

As great as these families are, they still managed to lose to an upstart. It was their failure, not to see past their differences and work together. That man saw and usurped the Five Clans, to take control of the entire nation, forcing each clan to remain on peaceful terms; or else they risked their own annihilation.

To accomplish, such a feat, it makes me anxious, to know what other ambitions, a man like that can have.

I cannot think about this now. I have my pupils to train, and then I can afford to think of that.

The pen is meant to put my mind at ease, yet, I find myself more troubled, when I write. I might have to find a better way of relieving my mind, huh?

Elsewhere, southwards past the camp.

"How do you always manage to come out on top? I mean, my technique is enough to overwhelm you, but you always manage to counter it,” said Kosuke.

“Of course, I was trained to fight and think at the highest level. You do not just land into the top ranks of the Retta’s military branch, at thirteen years old. Kosuke, it’s not me who’s causing your inefficiency in your technique, it’s you,” said Toshiero.

“Me? I am doing all I can; and it’s you who always has an answer. If you think, I am the reason, then tell me, why that is,” said Kosuke.

“Sure, let’s put our training on pause,” Toshiero said. “I want you to see: why I can counter your technique. In our first encounter, I ran and failed to apply this technique, because I could not understand your technique. Now I understand, and it is why I can use this!”

In a demonstration, Toshiero bared his fists, releasing his aura. By doing so, he applied a unique coating around his fists.

“I have seen you do this before; I just never understood why.  I thought that you were simply reinforcing your body with aura, to enhance your physical prowess. So, this coating can do what?” said Kosuke.

“It’s simple, it nullifies a technique and it weakens it a bit. However, if you were more adept, you would think, to strengthen your technique in response,” said Toshiero.

“That’s all? That is useful, how is this?” said Kosuke.

Immediately, Kosuke would attempt to replicate it; seeing it just once, he managed to pick it up quickly.

“That’s exactly, right! You did that at the glance of me showing you? It also applies to a realm, so if you go against mine, I suggest you activate nullification immediately,” Toshiero said, “since, I have taught you, how about you try to strike me with your technique.”

“The Gravitational Coating? Are you sure? Last time, I hit you with it, it did not go too well,” said Kosuke.

“It will not happen again, but I want you to experience nullification; and for you to learn: how to strengthen your technique, to counter my nullification,” said Toshiero.

“If you say so,” said Kosuke.

Resuming their spar, the boys both take their stances. Kosuke enters his flamboyant stance, as Toshiero draws his sword. Clearing the distance between them; Kosuke would apply his latest technique.

A technique, that removes all the weight of his body; to the point where his speed matches the likes of Hideaki.

Alerted by the presence, Toshiero immediately coats himself and his sword. Pulling back his fist, he proceeds to strike. At first, Kosuke’s attack would land on the sword; but it would do little to no damage.

Irritated, he begins to focus more of his aura on the attack, further enhancing his technique. This time, he released, a full scale of barrage attacks; he managed to chip off, a piece of metal from the sword.

It was at this moment; Kosuke’s knowledge of aura increased, and it would lead to the creation of his greatest techniques.