CHAPTER 29: TRIAL BY FIRE

Aiko moved with an intensity that caught Kazuki off guard. Her swift and precise strikes left little room for error. Each clash of their blades rang out, echoing through the secluded training ground like a melody of war.

Kazuki quickly realized that this was no ordinary sparring match. Aiko was testing him in a way no one had before—forcing him to adapt, to think beyond simple combat. Her movements were fluid, as if she were anticipating his every strike, and the longer they fought, the more he understood how dangerous she truly was.

Despite her elegance, there was an underlying ruthlessness in her attacks. She aimed not for simple touches, but for crippling blows—strikes that, had Kazuki not blocked or dodged, would have left him bleeding on the ground. Her skill was far beyond what he had expected, and for the first time in a long while, Kazuki felt the thrill of real challenge.

His breathing quickened as he sidestepped another strike, his sword grazing Aiko's arm but not drawing blood. She didn't even flinch. Instead, she shifted her weight and spun, her blade arcing toward Kazuki's neck in a movement so fluid it seemed effortless.

Kazuki barely had time to duck, feeling the wind from her blade pass over him. He rolled away, creating some distance between them, but Aiko pressed forward, not giving him a moment to recover. Her speed was relentless.

"You're holding back," she said, her voice steady despite the ferocity of their exchange. "Why?"

Kazuki gritted his teeth. He wasn't holding back—he was simply trying to survive. But he knew that wasn't the answer she wanted. To truly prove himself, he had to go beyond survival. He had to push himself beyond the limits of what he thought was possible.

With a deep breath, Kazuki steadied his mind and body. The world around him seemed to slow as he focused entirely on Aiko—her movements, her breathing, her subtle shifts in stance. He couldn't rely solely on strength or speed; he had to outthink her, anticipate her every move.

When Aiko lunged again, Kazuki didn't retreat. He met her head-on, their swords clashing with such force that sparks flew. But this time, he didn't stop. He pressed forward, parrying her strikes with precision and launching his own counters with renewed vigor.

For the first time, Aiko's eyes widened slightly in surprise. Kazuki was no longer on the defensive. He was fighting with everything he had, pushing her back with a series of rapid strikes that left little room for her to retaliate.

The tide of the battle had shifted, and Kazuki could feel the momentum building in his favor. His swordsmanship was no longer about reacting—it was about control. He dictated the pace now, and Aiko, for all her skill, was forced to adapt.

But just when it seemed like Kazuki had gained the upper hand, Aiko did something unexpected. She smiled.

"You're learning," she said, her voice barely a whisper as she disengaged and leapt back, landing gracefully several paces away.

Kazuki, breathing heavily, kept his sword at the ready, unsure of what her next move would be.

"Enough for today," Aiko said, sheathing her sword. "You've proven your worth."

Kazuki blinked, lowering his sword in confusion. "That's it?"

Aiko nodded, her smile fading into a more serious expression. "For now. You fought well, Kazuki. Better than I expected. But there's still much for you to learn if you wish to rise in my father's court."

Kazuki sheathed his own sword, feeling both relief and frustration. He had passed her test, but something about the way she spoke made him realize this was only the beginning.

Tatsuya, who had been watching from the sidelines, approached with a grin. "Well, that was something. I thought she was going to take your head off for a second."

Kazuki chuckled, though his body still ached from the intensity of the fight. "So did I."

Aiko turned to leave, but before she did, she glanced back at Kazuki. "Come to the palace tomorrow morning. We'll discuss your duties."

With that, she walked away, leaving Kazuki and Tatsuya standing in the peaceful garden, the cherry blossoms swirling gently in the breeze.