Chapter 1: Rokuhira Days

Chihiro Rokuhira, someone who had lost his pervious world identity. No memories of his past self, yet only memories of his "cheat" remained. A small system panel appeared in front of his eyes. It was no a system in a traditional sense that he remembered, no overpowered quests that would help him improve. 

The system only provided him with access to the Enchanted Blades locker and a panel to monitor his status. It was almost utterly useless. But it was also a good thing 

[Chihiro Rokuhira] 

[Status: Good]

[Available Katana] 

[Enten]

[Chosen Style] [Iai White Purity Style] [Intermediate]

A style so rare it was regarded as extinct. Chihiro only learnt it through records when prompted to learn a style by his panel. Of course he spent almost a mont searching for records of the style. Yet he had no idea and needed a teacher hence how he met this current friend. 

Raiden Mei, apparently she was some big shot heiress to some corporation or something. They were currently at a sparring dojo. "Chihiro, you're getting better but I still think there's flaws to the Iai White Purity Style."

The two sat down as Chihiro pondered, "I'm aware, the concept is simple. However, it seems the split second of lost focus on the regrip means I lose power and speed." Mei nodded "Yes, however your current state is an impressive imitation of the historical texts. Even with a novice level, it still matches and holds its own against our style." 

Chihiro nodded, "All right, that'll be it for today. Thanks for the sparring Mei. I'm going to grab lunch now. I'll see you at Kendo club and class." 

Mei nodded before smiling and waving goodbye. However soon her heart filled with a bit of pity. Chihiro had no parents and was alone. Yet the fact they were still friends was what highlighted the stark reality of their lives. 

She had everything she could possibly want, meanwhile he had no parents and lived a life in solitude. Perhaps solitude was something she understood and perhaps why they became friends. 

Days passed by as Chihiro kept up the appearance of the Iai White Purity Style. The white purity style was something that required a build up of honkai energy and the instantaneous release would result in the hallmark of the style. 

However as he couldn't be seen reaching such speeds in normal life, the only thing the style retained during spars with Mei was the drawing speed. 

Class soon rolled around and immediately Chihiro noticed something amiss within the classroom. Mei's table was scrawled with derogatory remarks and insults. The usual friends around Mei were nowhere to be seen. 

He quickly cleaned it up with some cleaner agent and a rag. 

Mei soon walked in with non of the usual energy she had. A single glance told him something was wrong. 

"What happened Mei?" Chihiro asked out of concern however he was left with a out of character response, "There's no need to pretend Rokuhira. My father's already been imprisoned for economic fraud. There's no point in being friends with me anymore." 

Chihiro sighed "Look Mei, I only just found out when you told me just now. Second of all, even if your father did this, which I find hard to believe, you are your own individual." 

Mei looked at Chihiro's blank face before letting out a small giggle, "I'm sorry Chihiro, I don't know what came over me." Her eyes seemed to have regained some luster as Chihiro let out a sigh of relief. 

"Cheer up Mei, don't be scaring me like that. You're the only friend I have here." 

Mei thought to herself as she reflected on her friendship with Chihiro, "Right, he would never approach me for profit. He didn't even know who I was." Mei smiled at the small consolation that from the start Chihiro had only seen her as Mei and not Raiden Mei. 

But that could also be attributed to Chihiro's horrid sense of politics. He couldn't even name the current president. A subtle laugh slipped through as she watched Chihiro sit back at his desk and doodle three different fish. 

It was a habit she found out that Chihiro would always doodle three fish, a red colored fish, a black one and a tri-colored fish of white, red and black.

She asked and later found out that he kept three just like it. "The red on attracts luck, the black one wards off evil and the tri-colored one is supposed to be super amazing." 

Chihiro soon found himself dozing off until the lunch time bell rung. Chihiro rummaged through his bag before unwrapping a cold store bought burger with a few packets of nuts. Mei looked at her own lunch before remembering her remark. A pang of guilt echoed in her head as she offered part of her lunch to Chihiro. 

"Chihiro, have some of my lunch, it's homemade. It's not much but apologies for my remark before." 

Chihiro shook his head as he spoke, "It's alright I'll just take a small piece." He pinched a small piece of egg before tasting it. Instantly he froze. Mei was beginning to worry, "How's the taste? It's not bad is it?" 

Chihiro shook his head, "No, no. It's way too delicious. You could make a business selling these." Mei smiled shyly, "If you want I can make an extra lunch box if you want." Chihiro thought about it for a bit. "It's not good of me to accept without anything in return. How about I help pay for the cost of ingredients?" 

Mei shook her head as she internally smiled, Chihiro's intentions were transparent and clear, he simply didn't want to take advantage or give her the feeling of being taken advantage of. However, he had a misconception. 

Mei wanted to share her talents with a friend. Someone who didn't see her for her status or money. If they could bond over simple food, she was more than happy to make an extra portion. 

Mei replied "No, it's fine. You can give feedback in return as payment how about that?" Mei had long figured out Chihiro's personality. Someone with a sense of justice and integrity. Someone who always had an unfeeling look but was kind inside. 

Chihiro sighed before giving a subtle smile. 

"Then it's a deal, take care of my taste buds Mei."